BLUSTERY conditions knocked the wind out of the sails of engineers hoping to put the finishing touches to restoration of a North-East relic yesterday.

Refurbishment of Wearside landmark, Fulwell Mill, with the aim of bringing it back to working order, was to have been completed at the end of an £800,000 restoration.

A giant crane was brought on to the site, off Newcastle Road, Sunderland, remounting the early 19th Century mill's distinctive black cap, to which the repaired sails were to be attached.

But the cogs and gears which will turn the sails suffered unavoidable damage overnight from Tuesday into early yesterday as a result of heavy winds.

A Sunderland City Council spokesman said: "Because the cap had already been put in place, the damage caused last night was unavoidable.

"Fortunately, the damage is not extensive and engineers are looking over the equipment.

"We were always aware the weather could have a major say in the completion of the mill and have therefore decided to wait until next week before the sails are fitted."

The Grade II-listed building will become the most complete working example of a working mill north of Skidby in North Yorkshire, once restoration is finished.

Backed by £800,000 from the council, the Heritage Lottery Fund and from the European Regional Development Fund, the mill is to work once more, grinding corn to make flour.

A mill was first built on site in 1795, but the existing structure dates from 1821, developed by ship owner Matthew Robson Swan.