Coun Jim Foreman was behind the controls as the machine's claw came crashing down onto the roof of his childhood home in Ashgrove Avenue, Cleadon Park, South Shields.

The 61-year-old Labour representative for the ward said: "From the age of seven to 15, I lived here with my mam, my two brotherS and sister. It was a rough area, but we had a wonderful time.

"Even when we left we only moved to Oak Avenue, which isn't too far away, and most of us still live in the area."

The house was being demolished as part of the Cleadon Park Regeneration Project.

About 950 homes, built in the 1920s, will be pulled down to make way for more modern houses, a safer estate and a primary care centre.

It's estimated there are about 100 families left to rehouse on the project, which is a partnership between NomadE5, Bellway, the council, South Tyneside Homes and the local community.

Coun Foreman said: "I'm not sad to see my old home go because I'm ever the optimist.

"Back in 1999 when I was chatting with residents – before the work had started – many of them were saying how the estate needed something done to it.

"I just hope the same sense of community and liveliness is present when the work is complete."