Mill wheels that used to power the Town Mill in Marlborough are one step closer to their original riverside home this week as volunteers moved the two wheels into a temporary placement.

Weighing in at over four tonnes, the two wheels were moved by a team of keen volunteers over two days.

Now the wheels, which used to power the Town Mill will temporarily be kept in The Old Ropeworks in Kennet Place. Owner Mike Fernley is welcoming any engineering enthusiasts who want to see the mighty wheels to visit the site during working hours.

Volunteer and co-coordinator of the move, Val Compton, said: “Not in my wildest dreams, did I think this project would ever get off the ground. Seeing these beautifully engineered mill workings arrive in Kennet Place was an extraordinarily emotional moment!”

Ms Comptom gave a special mention to Adrian and Tom Burton, of R.J Lampard & Co, who volunteered to move the wheels into their new home.

She added: "They used specialist equipment and it was a very skilled job that they did in moving the wheels during the weekend."

Operational since the 12th century, the Mill was closed in 1922 and later demolished in the 1980s. Since then the wheels had been stored away but now will be brought back for the public’s enjoyment.

Transport company, R.J Lampard & Co. Ltd helped to move the wheels from the Town Council’s workshop on Salisbury Road Recreation Ground where it had lain for many years to The Old Ropeworks.