AN EIGHTEENTH century mill in Wensleydale was pipped for £3m-worth of repairs in the nail-biting final of BBC-TV's Restoration programme.

Gayle Mill, near Hawes, finished third, with the prize money going to the old grammar school at Kings Norton, Birmingham.

Supporters of the Wensleydale project, who travelled to Hampton Court for the final on Sunday, were disappointed not to win but were delighted to come in the top three regeneration projects across the country.

Martin Glynn, director of the Gayle Mill Trust, which had hoped for £250,000 to complete a £1.2m restoration, said: "We were really surprised at how well we did. When we first entered six months ago, we realised we would be up against big flashy buildings in the middle of big cities with large populations who would vote for their local project.

"We are really pleased to have come third. Being in the Restoration project, and winning the regional heat, has raised the profile of Gayle Mill in Yorkshire and across the country. When we approach potential funders it will be helpful to our case to say we came third in the Restoration programme."

The trust has already raised nearly £900,000 towards the £1.2m project to return the 250-year-old water mill to working order. The plan is to make it a viable commercial sawmill with crafts and a visitor centre.

The mill was built in 1776 as a cotton factory and by 1826 was processing flax and wool