THE campaign to restore Holgate Windmill, in York, has been given a £66,500 boost.

Members of the Holgate Windmill Preservation Society are celebrating after receiving confirmation of the grant from the Esmée Fairbairn Foundation.

It is the latest in a series of grants awarded to the group in recent months, along with a £25,000 donation from a mystery retired businessman.

Society chairman Bob Anderton, pictured, of Windmill Rise, Holgate, said: "This is a huge boost to the work that is currently happening at the mill and will go a long way to reaching our final goal of a complete restoration. This money will be spent on completing the work started on the cap towards the end of last year, adding a new fantail stage and fantail and also putting back the sail frames.

"By the end of 2007 the exterior of the mill should be close to being fully restored and, with its newly-painted black tower and white cap, fantail, sail frames and windows, it will really look very impressive."

Mr Anderton said the tower was still draped in scaffolding but, by the end of the month, millwright Tom Davies will replace the curb ring which was found to be cracked when the cap was removed.

"When this is done, the scaffolding can come down and people will see quite a difference from the old deteriorating building," Mr Anderton said.

"We are greatly indebted for this very generous award and are now looking forward to completing this important stage in the restoration."

The windmill was built in 1770, and was grinding corn until about 1933. It is a Grade II listed building, and is a rare type of mill, with five sails, a fantail, and double shutters.

The society has raised about £130,000 in the last 18 months with awards from local trusts such as the Noel G Terry Charitable Trust, the York Common Good Trust, the Norwich Union Community Trust, the RM Burton Charitable Trust, York Community Pride, Holgate Ward Committee and the Community Charity Fund.

It also received a £50,000 Heritage Lottery award in 2006.