Eskdale Corn Mill has been saved thanks to a cash boost of nearly £1 million.

The listed building had milled corn in Boot for 1,000 years and will now be restored after a £842,000 grant from the Heritage Lottery Fund, and a donation from Copeland Community Fund.

A further £29,000 now needs to be found to complete the mill's make-over which includes weather-proofing buildings, restoring machinery, and partial re-roofing the mill and miller's cottage.

The project has been organised by the Eskdale Mill & Heritage Trust.

Paul Pharaoh, chairman of the trust, said: "We are thrilled that after a period of running on a shoestring the next phase of the mill’s long life looks secure, thanks to the National Lottery and Copeland Community Fund.

"We will now be able to conserve the buildings and machinery, and tell their story more effectively.

"That will make the mill a more enjoyable place to visit and give a boost to Eskdale’s economy, but we shall take great care to preserve the very special character of this extraordinary place.”

Sue Bowers, HLF deputy director of operations, said: “One of England’s oldest water-powered mills now has a bright future, thanks to money raised by National Lottery players.

"Volunteers have worked very hard over the past two years to keep the mill open to the public, so we’re delighted that they will play a vital role in this exciting new chapter for Eskdale’s heritage.”

David Moore, chair of Copeland Community Fund, said: “It is true to say that without fantastic vision and significant hard work from the trustees - all volunteers - this project would not be happening.

"The CCF Board are delighted to have been able to support the Eskdale Mill project with funding, bringing significant National Lottery funding into Copeland and enabling the creation of a valuable heritage asset.”