Ancient flour mill back in business to meet lockdown demand

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An ancient mill in Dorset is back in business as a result of high demand for flour during the lockdown.

Until a few weeks ago, the 1,000 year old Sturminster Newton Mill on the River Stour was a popular visitor attraction, catering mainly for tourists.

But the rise in home baking, during the lockdown, has led to flour shortages with many shops sold out.

Despite most of the machinery at the mill being more than a century old, the way the grain is ground into flour by the mill stones, has never changed.

The most recent major re-build was 450 years ago.

Although the water wheels, which powered the mill, were replaced by underwater blades mid-last century.

Demand is so high, that the mill has received calls from customers in the United States.

But the mill's flour is exclusively for locals.

Bread and cakes made with the flour can be bought in the local bakery.