The restoration of Wheatley windmill took another step forward yesterday with the fitting of a large windshaft.

Society chairman Mrs Dalton said: "This is another important step. We are now putting in a bid to South Oxfordshire District Council's community trust fund to complete the restoration."

Ten years ago, the three-storey tower of the 18th-century windmill, in Windmill Lane, was re-built at a cost of £20,000.

The installation of a £33,000 rotating cap was completed in 2000, as a Millennium project.

Fundraisers hope to complete the work in three years.

Although the windmill will be restored in full, it is unlikely to be be in regular operation.