REMAINS of Blackburn's industrial heritage, discovered during building works for a new supermarket, have been uncovered and preserved for posterity by academics and photographers.

Demolition experts, brought in to flatten the site of a late 19th century mill and disused car showrooms at the corner of Nab Lane and Montague Street, delayed work when parts of an old dyeworks were found beneath the surface.

A team of four archaeologists from Manchester University were called on to the site with staff from Lancashire County Council's Archaeology Unit and spent a week uncovering, examining and photographing the preserved remains before the work continued. Archaeology unit project officer Peter Connelly said: "We excavated the site and found parts of the original dyeworks, including parts of its wall still intact up to six stone courses high.

"We were very surprised how extremely well-preserved these parts of the original building were, considering that it dates back to at least 1844, sealed beneath the stone-flagged floor of a late 19th century cotton mill.

"Before demolition took place, we were able to photograph and record it in detail and ensure subsequent demolition and development of the site will not destroy these valuable remains. The county archaeologist was also involved and our records of the work will eventually be stored in a Lancashire Museum for anyone to see."

After the team finished their work, demolition contractors J Freeley Ltd flattened the mill and showrooms on the site, where a new Netto is to be built.

The remaining parts of the dyeworks will be undisturbed during the building work and will be left for anyone to see.

The photographs and information uncovered by the archaeologists are currently being compiled into a full archive and will be available for public access in about six months time.