Ullesthorpe Windmill was open all weekend to visitors eager to get a chance to look inside the 19th century building.

More than 300 people visited, almost double last year’s total of 170.

Mill trustee Susan Tebby said: “It was a fantastic weekend. There were an incredible number of people and we were run off our feet showing them around.

“We laid on a number of children’s activities and there was an exhibition of windmill models by David Goldsmith which proved very popular.”

Two years ago the building was jointly bought by more than 20 villagers who began trying to raise money to restore it.

Mrs Tebby said the weekend was not intended as a major fundraiser, and the group deliberately kept admission fees low.

She added: “A fifth of the visitors were children and we know it is important to encourage their interest.”

The mill will next open in June for Ullesthorpe Open Gardens and will feature an exhibition of children’s art.