THE vibrant history of a landmark building has been brought to life by enthusiastic schoolchildren as conservationists make final preparations to bring the building back to prominence.

The North of England Civic Trust (NECT) bought the Corn Mill in Warwick Bridge, near Carlisle, last year and set about an ambitious £2m project to rescue the building.

They want to return the empty mill to its former glory, including reintroducing working machinery, employing a miller, selling bread and opening a cafe.

The exciting project caught the attention of pupils from Warwick Bridge School and, with the help of their teachers, they have spent the last few weeks learning in detail about the mill’s history.

And it might not be too much longer before they can take a school trip to the new and improved site, as trust bosses say they’ve now got about 80 per cent of the funding in place.

They believe work could start within the next month and it would take around 18 months to complete.

Mark Ashton, the school’s headteacher, explained to The Cumberland News what his pupils have been doing.

“We’ve done some artwork, some design and technology with how to create an archway which is in the mill – obviously a history project – as well as some literacy and writing leaflets.

“Plus we’ve done some ICT work and photography,” he said.

“Because of its closeness to the school and because it’s such an important part of the community, we wanted to get involved. People may end up with jobs there too and there’s been lots of interest,” added Mr Ashton.

On Tuesday the school opened its doors to parents and the community to show off the array of work they’ve been producing on the mill over the last few weeks.

People were fascinated with old photos, creative leaflets and a realistic model of the mill created by students.

Mr Ashton said the pupils will be following the project right through until its completion.

Elanor (CORR) Johnson, the trust’s education and engagement officer, was at the open afternoon giving talks to pupils and interested parties.

She said: “We bought the mill last year and it’s been on the heritage at risk register since 1999 – it needed a solution.

“The whole school became interested and they were the first official visitors to the mill and have done a lot of work this term.

“As we get closer there will be an opportunity for the children to come back and for people who live locally to get involved as well.”