A 10-YEAR labour of love restoring a north Hamp-shire mill has been recognised at a special ceremony held at Whitchurch Silk Mill.

Rupert Dawnay received an excellence in restoration award from SPAB (the Society for the Protection of Ancient Buildings) for his work at Upper Mill in Longparish.

Mr Dawnay was handed the plaque and certificate by Mildred Cookson of SPAB and a party to celebrate was held afterwards.

Mr Dawnay has also played an important role in Whitchurch Silk Mill's efforts to restore their 1890 water wheel, which has had to be stopped due to wear and tear.

He donated some strong greenheart wood, left over from his own restoration work, for use in the water mill which is extremely durable.

Silk mill manager Stephen Bryer said: "Mr Dawnay has been recognised for his excellent work at Upper Mill and has also helped us with the work we are doing here."