THE historic Weaver's Triangle in Burnley has won a big National Lottery cash handout to help bring the area's industrial past back to life.

The £60,000 grant will help volunteers restore a 110-year-old steam engine at one of the oldest factories in the famous canal-side triangle.

Leaders of the scheme say the restoration will give visitors an authentic taste of history and add an extra dimension to guided tours of the Weavers' Triangle.

The chairman of the Weavers' Triangle Trust, Brian Hall, told the Citizen: "We are delighted with the award, which will enable us to carry out the work to a high standard and return the engine to working condition.

"The engine-house remains largely as it was when cotton weaving ceased at the mill in 1979. It is like a time capsule and we intend that the authentic atmosphere of a working engine house will be retained."

The engine was installed in Oak Mount Mill, Wiseman Street, in 1887, and the mill itself dates back to 1830.

The 350-horse-power engine, designed to run at 62 revolutions per minute, is unusual in that is both a rope and a shaft drive. The restoration scheme is also being funded by Burnley council's challenge fund and by a grant from the Museums and Galleries Commission.

Members of the public can see the engine house between 2 and 4pm on the last Sunday of every month until October.

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