NEW images show what two of Oldham's historic buildings now look like inside after years of decay.

Matthew Holmes, also known as "The Derelict Explorer" online visited both Chadderton Baths and the Prudential Assurance Building, on Union Street, and photographed what he found inside, sharing his experiences online.

It was the urban explorer's first visit to Oldham after spending the past two years visiting other abandoned buildings in Manchester and elsewhere in the country.

The 23-year-old, from Manchester, said: "Chadderton Baths and the Prudential building were both incredible to explore.

"The Prudential building in particular was not what I expected.

"The room I entered was very impressive and filled with glazed brick tile work and an incredible fire place, all of which had stood the test of time.

"It was like a time capsule, with different rooms showing different parts of the building's history.

"The swimming baths was also interesting, although the pool itself had seen better days.

"A lot of the original signs for the changing rooms and the pool's mural were still there."

The Prudential building was opened in 1889 and was designed by the noted architect Alfred Waterhouse, whose credits also include Manchester Town Hall. It is currently a Grade II-listed building however it has been empty for several years and has been a target for vandals.

Chadderton Swimming Baths, on Middleton Road, closed to the public in 2006, while the adjoining sports centre closed in 2009 when the new Chadderton Health and Wellbeing Centre came into use.

The art-deco style building, where four-time Olympic swimming champion Henry Taylor attended, has been empty ever since. It reopened for one night only in 2014 for a concert and planning permission has been granted this month for a change of use for the site.

The plans, by CSDA Investments, will see the sports hall and swimming pool transformed into two function rooms and a first floor restaurant, with associated kitchen facilities.

Matthew also uses his adventures and Facebook page "Exploring Abandoned Buildings With The Derelict Explorer" to raise awareness of these abandoned buildings and hopes it could inspire people to preserve them in the future.

Matthew said: "I've always loved history, ever since I was seven years old.

"I've always walked past old, abandoned buildings and wondered what is inside.

"A lot of people say the same thing, which is why I share what I find online.

"It gives me a buzz when people share their memories of the buildings, such as people swimming in Chadderton Baths.

"These buildings are part of an area's history and its character.

"It's a shame to see them in their current state."

Matthew admits that entering buildings without permission can be risky, but his love for exploring doesn't stop him.

"When I first started exploring, I used to try to get permission but owners didn't want to give me permission for whatever reason so now I just go in.

"I never break in and always find an opening somewhere, such as an open window.

"I've been caught a few times by security guards and police but I've always got away with just a slap on the wrist.

"They warn me about the dangers and how the buildings might be unsafe, but I've got such a passion for exploring it doesn't put me off.

"I'm careful and always do research and planning before I enter any building.

"I make sure to walk carefully and be aware of damage caused by weather or other issues with the building, but I'm not an expert."

Urban exploring can be very dangerous and anyone entering land or buildings without permission of the landowner could be classed as a trespasser.

Trespassers risk being sued, especially if they cause damage to the property.

Members of the public are being warned not to follow Matthew's example.

Oldham Fire Station Manager Jason Rain said: “I would urge the public to never go in to derelict buildings, the dangers they pose are very real and immediate. There is an increased risk of structures collapsing or floors giving way which could result in serious injury or worse, leading to complex recovery work for the emergency services.

“As with the nature of derelict sites they often attract rough sleeping and alcohol and drug use so it is not uncommon to find used needles and broken glass which is incredibly dangerous to both the public and the emergency services.

“All too often the fire service are caught up dealing with people who have got into danger in derelict buildings, not only does it take up valuable resources, it is also poses an increased risk to firefighters who respond to these kinds of incidents.”