THERE were just inches to spare as the heaviest load to ever be carried on Preston’s roads was delivered without a hitch.

Crowds awoke early to see the first instalment of a new electrical transformer be delivered to the National Grid power station in Penwortham.

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The transformer, which weighs 276 tonnes, formed part of a 70 metre-long convoy which weighed more than 500 tonnes.

Due to the size and weight of the load, it was brought to Preston by boat from Ellsmere Port, travelling along the River Ribble before being unloaded onto a waiting lorry.

Moving at a steady four miles per hour, the transformer was taken up the A59 before turning into the narrow Howick Cross Lane, towards the station, three roads along the route being closed.

Managing Director of Allely’s, David Allely, was pleased with how the move went.

He said: “It went without a hitch. The only problem was when the tug picked up a rope around its propeller.

“This is normal for our drivers because we often send them to difficult places.”

The second half of the transformer will arrive on Sunday March 20 and will be delivered in the same way.