THIS was just one of many scenes of destruction across East Lancashire in January 2007 after storms brought gale force winds measuring over 90 miles an hour to the area.

The hurricane strength gusts up to 92mph - the most severe since 1990 - tore roofs off buildings, sent trees toppling on to cars and brought down power lines.

In Bamber Bridge, a man aged 58 died in an accident at a petrol station. He had sustained a serious arm injury when the canopy covering the fuel pumps at Sainsbury’s petrol station in Bamber Bridge was blown off.

Many parts of the area were also hit by flooding.

Part of the roof at Haslingden Sports Centre was blown off, forcing its closure and pupils were sent home from Darwen Moorland High School, St Mary and St Joseph’s Primary School in Blackburn, St Padiham Green Church of England School, Burnley, and Ribblesdale High School in Clitheroe due to storm damage.

The cellar at Hyndburn Council’s Scaitcliffe House offices in Ormerod Street flooded after a nearby lodge burst its banks and the wind caused damage at Bacup Borough’s Westview ground in Cowtoot Lane.

Due to the strong winds and heavy rain there were long tailbacks on many roads.