YOUNGSTERS have joined forces with 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 of North Yorkshire, with a number of mills producing high quality material.

Among the most important was the Wilford Linen Company, in Brompton. It was one of the earliest companies to have a vacuum-packing plant and exported a lot of linen, particularly to India.

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, with some businesses around the site.

The Brompton Village Design Statement Group, which is looking at future development options for the local area, believes the building is important, both historically and architecturally.

Its members have lodged an application with the Department of Culture, Media and Sport for it to be granted listed status so that it can be protected "in an appropriate way".

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.

Now, they have been joined in their fight to save the site by local children from the Allertonshire School, who are taking action of their own.

The youngsters have contacted local people and businesses and earlier this week launched their own petition to save the mill.

Already, they have collected nearly 200 signatures.

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

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

He said the group had asked Hambleton District Council to serve a building preservation notice, but had been told the authority was "reluctant" to do so.

A spokesman for Hambleton council said that the serving of building preservation notices was very rare and was something that would have to be looked at closely.