COLDHARBOUR Mill in Uffculme will put a £50,000 Heritage Lottery Fund grant to use by improving facilities and adding a new welcome centre and shop.

One of the last remaining 18th century working textile mills in the country, today it offers a unique glimpse back to a time when steam and water powered the heart of textile manufacture. Visitors can experience the sights and sounds of a Georgian working mill together with a wide array of collections including how Coldharbour Mill was central in textile production for WW1 and WW2 through to modern weaving techniques.

Coldharbour Mill Trustee Susan Wasfi said: “We are thrilled to have received the support of the Heritage Lottery Fund.

"This money, together with a number of generous donations, means that we can improve the access into the Mill and the visitor experience.”

Work has already started, and the project is expected to be complete by Easter 2016, when a Good Friday grand opening is planned together with the ever popular 'Steam Up!' and Easter Egg Hunt over the Easter weekend.

Because of the major renovation and refurbishment work to be undertaken by staff and volunteers, the Mill will be closed to the general public from Monday, November 9 to Thursday, March 24 inclusive.

However, pre-booked visits from groups and schools can still be made during this period, and the Mill will be open to everyone for the Steam Up! events on New Year's Day and on 14th February.

More information about the work of Coldharbour Mill and an opportunity to donate to the “Fit for the Future” campaign can be found on the Mill's website: www.coldharbourmill.org.uk.