A campaign to restore Wheatley Windmill to working order has received a £500 boost from the Council for the Protection of Rural England.

Workman Chris Wallis carrying out some preparation work

The existing tower dates from 1760 although a mill of some description has stood on appropriately named Windmill Hill, in Wheatley, since 1677.

The building is owned by Len Cripps, of Horspath, whose daughter Mavis Ramsden lives in the adjoining mill house.

Wheatley Windmill Restoration Society chairman, Caroline Dalton, welcomed the gift but said £60,000 more was needed.