DEMOLITION work has begun at the iconic Radcliffe Civic Suite.

Bulldozers started tearing down the town centre venue on Wednesday, two months after it closed.

The Thomas Street centre shut its doors for the last time in April, after serving the people of Radcliffe for more than 40 years.

Building on 40 new affordable homes is due to commence on the site in the coming months.

Bury Council have promised that a state-of-the-art replacement leisure and entertainment venue will be build on the site of the old swimming baths in Green Street, which are also due to be demolished, by the end of 2018.

The temporary leisure facility at the former Radcliffe Riverside school, in Spring Lane, will remain open until the new venue is completed.