THE sails are turning once again above a privately-owned 19th Century windmill after fears it would have to close to the public through a lack of volunteers.

THE sails are turning once again above a privately-owned 19th Century windmill after fears it would have to close to the public through a lack of volunteers.

Buttrum's Mill, in Burkitt Road, Woodbridge, was forced to close for six months after the owners were unable to find people to man the tourist attraction.

Easter Saturday saw the doors open once again, with a renewed appeal from owners Betty and Martin Whitworth for more volunteers to come forward and ensure it does not have to close during the winter.

The county council, which has a 99-year lease to maintain the mill, provides a warden for a set number of hours per week, charging a small entry fee.

Volunteers man the tourist attraction at weekends, at no cost to the public, but several are elderly and may not be able to continue to give up their time next winter.

The Whitworths raise money from the mill to share between the St Elizabeth Hospice, Ipswich, and the Woodbridge section of the East Suffolk Association for the Blind.

The windmill, which turns as soon as the wind blows, dates back to 1836 and takes its name from the last miller-owner, George Buttrum, who died in 1937. The mill was last used to grind wheat in 1928.

The mill is open 10.30am to 5pm on Saturdays and Sundays. Potential volunteers should call 01394 382045.