In pictures: HMS Scylla

1 of 11 Decommissioned warship HMS Scylla was sunk off the Cornish coast to create an artificial reef.

2 of 11 National Marine Aquarium officials took a last look around above water.

3 of 11 Explosives were laid at strategic points around the ship so it could be scuttled.

4 of 11 Europe's first artificial diving reef features an en-suite bathroom for marine life.

5 of 11 It took hours for the ship to be tugged into position and all surrounding boats were ordered to keep away.

6 of 11 Demolition man: 12-year old Daniel Green won a Newsround competition to press the big red button.

7 of 11 Final checks took place before the ship was evacuated and sent to a watery but productive end.

8 of 11 Hundreds gathered on the cliff tops to watch the fireworks...

9 of 11 Eventually they were rewarded with a fantastic series of loud explosions.

10 of 11 The chemical blasts in the ship's bow burnt huge holes allowing it to rapidly sink to the seabed.

11 of 11 The whole vessel sank in about a minute. A new reef is born!