IT WAS a historic day for Portland when one of its oldest residents helped to demolish the last of the island's 100-year-old oil tanks.

Sprightly 99-year-old George Davey, of Easton, read out a poem he had written to commemorate the demolition of the last of 20 oil tanks at Mere tank farm, which used to be part of the Portland Naval base.

He recalled how the oil tanks provided a vital function in fuelling the country's naval fighting force.

The project to clear the oil tanks from the Osprey Quay site was carried out in partnership between Weymouth and Portland Borough Council and the South West of England Regional Development Agency (SWRDA).

Head of regeneration for SWRDA Bruce Voss said it had not cost the taxpayer a penny because of the value of the steel involved.

He said: "We're very pleased to see this milestone with the completion of the demolition of the old oil tanks on Portland.

"What we'll be doing over the next 18 months is filling this site and bringing it back up to the level of the surrounding land, putting in roads and services.

"That will be used over the next few years for the test events and Olympic events in 2012. After that it will be redeveloped to generate jobs for local people, particularly using the unique assets in Portland of the marine sector and Portland Harbour.

"So we think it's going to provide a huge long-term benefit for the local area."

Corporate director of environmental services for the borough council Richard Burgess said it meant a fresh impetus for the whole area.

He said an estimated £140 million is being invested in the area in the run up to 2012, and it will create a major centre of employment as well as enabling the borough to host the Olympic sailing events.