HUNDREDS gathered to watch the demolition of landmark chimneys which have dominated the Thames skyline since the 1960s.

The two chimneys at the Lafarge Cement works in Northfleet, the tallest of which was 550ft, came down yesterday marking the end of nearly 200 years of cement production.

People flocked to Northfleet High Street to get the best view with many eager to capture the moment on camera.

News Shopper: NORTHFLEET: Hundreds watch chimneys come down

News Shopper: NORTHFLEET: Hundreds watch chimneys come down

News Shopper: NORTHFLEET: Hundreds watch chimneys come down

News Shopper: NORTHFLEET: Hundreds watch chimneys come down

Lafarge has submitted a planning application to build homes, shops and open spaces, such as a riverside promenade on the site.

The company has also sent plans to build a bulk aggregates import terminal to handle up to three million tonnes of aggregates per year by river, road and potentially rail, creating around 100 jobs.

Watch video of the chimneys' demolition, filmed by Grahame Crick: