A FORMER mill is being transformed into a £700,000 resource centre designed to promote renewable energy.

Howsham Mill, near Malton, was derelict until the Renewable Heritage Trust, based at nearby Westow, started work to restore the building last year.

A new water wheel and two fish-friendly turbines are being installed at the 18th Century mill, which stands on a tiny island in the River Derwent.

The trust hopes the electricity they generate will help to fund the project in the future.

As part of its aim to promote a sustainable way of life, the trust also holds regular volunteer days on the first Sunday of each month.

At the next two, woodland craft courses led by Geoff Norton and Angela Cole, of Yorkshire Hurdles, will take place.

Their business includes furniture making, fencing, timber framing and willow-work.

They also manage part of Howsham Wood.

On Sunday, Geoff and Angela will be teaching participants how to make natural Christmas decorations from willow and hedgerow materials.

On December 4, they will lead a workshop to make a life- sized reindeer sculpture using hand tools and a variety of woodland mat- erials.

The classes are free and anyone interested can turn up between 10am and 4pm.