THE sails are turning again at a long disused windmill which is about to become a major visitor attraction.

Fulwell Mill, in Sunderland, reopened yesterday after an £810,000 restoration, which has seen a visitor centre and shop added to the 180-year-old Newcastle Road landmark.

It will also be a working attraction - capable of milling grain.

Visitors will be able to see demonstrations of the milling of flour, which will then be sold from the shop.

Overseeing the operation is Sunderland's own "Windy Miller", manager-cum-miller Alastair Yule.

He is amazed at the transformation of a run-down relic, which has stood idle for more than 50 years.

"It was in a terrible condition. It was a very brave decision when you looked at the state of the machinery," said Mr Yule, previously manager at the Bishop of Durham's Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland.

Mr Yule will live at the mill with his wife, Christine, and daughters Kate and Rebecca.

The attraction will open to the public on weekends, from 10am to 4pm, until Sunday, September 30. Admission charges are £2 for adults and £1 for concessions.

City council leader Colin Anderson performed yesterday's opening with Sunderland Mayor Ken Murray.