YOUNGSTERS have joined conservationists in a race against time to save the last surviving remnant of what was once a thriving industry.

Years ago, linen-making was a major employer in the Northallerton area, with a number of mills producing high quality material.

Among the most important was the Wilford Linen Company in Brompton.

However, the company's former mill and its distinctive chimney, built in 1850, are now all that remains of the once proud industry. It now stands part derelict.

The Brompton Village Design Statement Group believes the building is important historically and architecturally and has applied to the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for it to be listed.

However, although they are expecting to receive an answer in mid-June, they fear the site's owner is planning to demolish the building before then. They have been joined in their fight to save the site by children from Allertonshire School.

The youngsters have contacted local people and businesses and launched their own petition - and already have 200 signatures.

Chairman of the design statement group Erik Matthews said: "There have been earlier attempts to get the mill listed status.

"They weren't successful because the amount of information given was not appropriate but we have made a detailed submission to the department."

The group has asked Hambleton District Council to serve a building preservation notice but a spokesman said such notices were very rare and had to be looked at in great detail.