A HISTORIC engine which once powered a Bradley mill is expected to be in steam this weekend for the first time since undergoing massive restoration.

Volunteers from the Bancroft Mill Engine Trust have been renovating the machine for more than a decade.

And visitors to the Bancroft Mill museum at Barnoldswick on Saturday and Sunday (Sept 9/10) should at last be able to view it in action.

The 300HP Smith Bros & Eastwood engine, built in 1901, used to provide power for the former Peter Green's Cross Lane Mill at Bradley.

Tony Nixon, for the trust, said: "Subject to any last-minute technical issues the machine will be in steam for the first time since it was 'rescued' many years ago.

"This will mark the culmination of a project involving thousands of hours of volunteer effort by a very hard-working team."

The museum, in Gillians Lane, will be open from 11am both days. The engine will operate at intervals between 1pm and 3.45pm.

Admission is £6 for adults, £5 concessions and £15 for family tickets. Children five and under are admitted free.