A NORTH Yorkshire cultural trust has re-opened its doors of what is thought to be the oldest structurally unaltered mill in existence.

The Gayle Mill, found in the Wensleydale hamlet of Gayle, has re-opened its doors to the public after three years of essential restoration maintenance work, as well as 18 months of lockdown.

During the lockdown staff and volunteers were unable to fully support the mill because of shielding and travel restrictions, so the public were unable to visit.

The Mill is now open Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays and Sunday from 10am until 4pm, and guided tours take place every hour on the hour.

Visitors can turn up at the mill without pre-booking, but under Covid-safe restrictions, numbers are limited.

Special events are planned in between September 10 and 19.

Councillor Jill McMullon, Chair of the local Parish Council, said: "It is wonderful to have this amazing community asset open once again. It will add greatly to the diversity of the visitor attractions in Hawes.”

Stuart Parsons, of Gayle Mill, said: "We have opened informally over the last month or so to test our procedures and make sure we can offer a safe and memorable experience. Supported by a new guidebook produced by volunteers steeped in the history of the mill, and souvenir photographs that capture its atmosphere, we have something very special to offer.”