WHEN the earth-shuddering bang resonated around Didcot, it was not just the demolition of a building that could be heard.

It was also the sound of history as yet another part of the iconic Didcot A power station was felled.

So long a landmark to all who lived in the area or drove into Oxford along the A34, by this time next year the skyline will be changed forever.

While the explosion on Saturday was not as dramatic as the collapse of the three southern cooling towers, the company behind the demolition was at least a bit more savvy than last time over the public interest in seeing the decommissioned station dismantled building by building.

Last year, hundreds woke at the crack of dawn to see the cooling towers come down, despite RWE Power refusing to give an exact time and advising people to stay away.

This time, Coleman and Company set up a live feed so people could watch – the building is barely visible from outside the plant – and made sure to give plenty of warning.

The real test though will be next September when the final three towers are toppled.