Historic watermill wheel restored

Plans to restore the water wheel were started about six years ago

The historic water wheel at St John's Mill has been officially opened, following a lengthy restoration project.

A group of Manx volunteers came together six years ago to return the wheel and wheel pit at the former woollen mill to their original state.

Eric Wilkins, a former Manx power station designer, said it was a tremendous challenge.

He added that the wheel was one of a number of historic ones on the island.

"People look at this and those who don't know much about it, think it is just a Meccano set.

"This water wheel weighs five tonnes. It's been a challenge to repair, now it's not making any noise while it runs and it will run forever," he said.