AN ANTIQUE waterwheel has been restored and set spinning once again.

The wooden wheel at Helmshore Mills Textile Museum, which dates back to the 1840s, had been retired since December 2011 after becoming damaged.

Louise Jacobsson, Lancashire County Council's manager at the museum said: “The wheel is an important feature of the museum and it's wonderful to see it working again.

“A new temporary internal frame has been fitted to strengthen the structure so it can keep its shape and turn smoothly once more.

“The metalwork in the wheel dates back to the 1840s, but the woodwork needs replacing from time to time.

“The woodwork on the wheel was last replaced in the 1970s and we are currently looking to bid for funding so the wheel can be refurbished again in the next few years.”