THIS dramatic picture captured the scene in Worcester’s High Street, during October 1979 as firefighters worked to douse a devastating blaze which ripped through Woolworths, next to Marks and Spencers.

The flames took hold on the first floor of the store, where hundreds of thousands of pounds worth of goods were stored.

Hundreds of onlookers gathered behind police cordons to watch the drama unfold.

Smoke from the inferno – which lasted 12 hours –could be seen across the city.

At the time, it was thought the damage could total £8 million.