An historic windmill has reopened its doors to visitors following a major renovation project.

Deputy Wyre Mayor Coun Ron Greenhough officially re-opened the Grade II listed tower at a special ceremony.

The event was attended by volunteers from the Friends of Marsh Mill who gave up their time to help complete work on the mill.

Visitor Gemma Brocklehurst said: “We had a super time with a very excited five year old now able to go up the windmill. She and her older brother were buzzing about it all day. Job well done one and all.”

Wyre Council invested £320,000 in repairs to the structure and fabric of the mill including the walls, render, roof, or cap, and fantail.

New window frames have also been fitted and , improvements made to ventilation.

The balcony, or reefing stage, was completely replaced.

The mill’s existing sails were removed and used as a template to construct a completely new set by millwrights Owlsworth IJP.

The new sails were installed last week marking the end of exterior renovations.

Improvements to the interior are due to be carried out later this year.

Standing at more than 70fttall, Marsh Mill is the highest tower mill in Europe and celebrated its 220th birthday last year.

The mill was built in 1794 by millwright Ralph Slater.

It is the best preserved windmill in the north west of England with much of the original machinery still intact.

Marsh Mill is open for guided tours between 10.30am and 4.30pm on Saturdays and Sundays through until November.

There will be exhibitions, events and activities taking place throughout the year.

For more information see the Friends of Marsh Mill Facebook page.