DEMOLITION of one of the region's most notorious eyesores is to take place later this month.

Westgate House, a 1970s concrete office block in the heart of Newcastle's Grainger Town, was recently voted one of Britain's ugliest buildings in a Channel 4 poll.

The building was acquired in 2000 by regional development agency One NorthEast, which yesterday announced that demolition will begin this month.

John Holmes, One NorthEast director of regeneration and tourism, said: "Westgate House is a brutal intrusion on Grainger Town - the historic heart of the city.

"Like everyone, One NorthEast is keen to see it removed from the cityscape as soon as possible."

Because there are neighbouring buildings, the block will be dismantled piece by piece from the top down, and is not likely to be completely removed until Christmas.