AN historic mill, saved from closure, is now helping to bring history to life for children across the region.

Cote Ghyll Mill at Osmotherley, near Northallerton, played host to Centurion Maximus for a day-long workshop on Roman life.

The living history lesson, featuring historian Steve Richardson, was the latest in a series of educational sessions at the mill staged since it was saved from closure by the owners of the caravan site next door, Jon and Helen Hill.

The old mill, which once made flax for aircraft fuselages and ships’ sails, had been used by the Youth Hostel Association since the 1980s but was identified for closure until Jon and Helen stepped in to save it.

With hostel manager Chris Paul, they have spent the past year developing the 12-bedroom building, which offers sleeping accommodation for 72.

It now remains one of the few youth hostels on the North York Moors offering affordable accommodation to visitors, including cyclists, walkers, church groups and outward-bound organisations.

“We are down in a forested dell and the mill bristles with atmosphere, which really adds to the historical ambience of these sessions,” said Mrs Hill.

“We have hosted young people from all over the country, including inner city areas, and the impact of feeling remote is incredible.”

Historian Mr Richardson added: “The area is steeped in history and there were Roman settlements right across this region, which is great for me. The unique atmosphere here really adds to the sessions and for the children it is like travelling back in time.”