Gayle Mill appears settled so snugly into a fold of the Wensleydale hills that suggestions of a crisis seem like scaremongering. But creeping uncertainty instils a false sense of security. And as cracks and collapse suggested the mill was quietly slipping into the beck, the last owner and the National Park Authority sought to reverse the decline and ease it back into life. A champion was needed.

"Such is the importance of the mill that North East Civic Trust was called in to secure the mill's future, as well as its past. The Trust's track record showed it could be done; its willingness to listen brought assurances for the community that this could be their chance, too. Public meetings gave rise to a working group of local people, former apprentices and enthusiastic specialists, pooling knowledge and learning together. Friends of Gayle Mill now lend their support, and the Trust has funding from a range of public bodies.

"The shared goal is to revive sustainable craftsmanship, providing employment and training in traditional skills as part of the rural economy, inspired by the historic setting. Gayle Mill aims to recapture the power of water as well as people's imagination: so join us!"

The mill, in Wensleydale, North Yorkshire, which closed in 1988, is restored as a sawmill, centre for renewable energy, and training centre.

Harvey Dowdey, the project manager for restoration of the mill, said: "We have already raised a huge amount of money, but that will only make the building weather proof and stable. What we really want to do is get the water power system up and running so we can use the fantastic renewable energy source we have in Gayle Beck."