A RESTORED mill in Haslingden has been awarded a Grade-II* listed status by Historic England.

The Grane Mill site in Laneside Road, which is on the building risk register, has been granted the new level of protection.

Its engine house, boiler house and chimney had previously secured the oldest form of heritage protection, scheduled monument status.

However he new accolade ensures that the entire mill complex, which operated until 1979, protected.

But parts of the site are still at significant risk, with the boiler house requiring extensive work.

Dave Arnfield, 69, has worked on the building since 1998 to restore and preserve its heritage.

He said: "It has been my part-time project since retiring.

"It has been a long, long job.

"We are really pleased that the listing now covers the whole mill, not just the chimney and engine house.

"This listing is much needed because some of the buildings are in poor condition and the whole roof needs to be replaced.

"Anthony Pilling has been heavily involved in securing the listing of the occupied mill."

Mr Arnfield, who has worked on steam engines since he was 11, has ensured the upkeep of the mill's engine.

The mill belongs to a private owner and Heritage Trust North West.

While parts of the site, including the engine rooms and yard, are open to residents on open days, it is hoped that the building can be made safe and opened up on a wider scale.

The Rossendale Civic Trust has been involved with the site for 10 years and helped to save the building when it was threatened with demolition.

While some parts were knocked down, the boiler house, engine house and chimney were saved.

Chairman Kathy Fishwick said: "We helped to save the mill and thankfully in the end only part of it was demolished.

"We are over the moon that the building has secured this listing.

"People now know how important and valuable it is.

"This has pushed the mill nearer to the top of recognised national buildings.

"The owners who have constantly been pushing for development and restoration can now work together to provide a future for the mill."

The Grade-II* status makes the site eligible for grants from Historic England, which will enable preservation work to be carried out.

Leader of Rossendale Council Alyson Barnes said: "I would like to offer my congratulations.

"Our heritage is an important aspect to Rossendale life.

"It is really good to see a building owner taking responsibility for their historic building and enhancing that building and looking after it.

"It would be lovely to see it opened up more in the future so that people have the opportunity to enjoy it."