Spruce-up before royal visit to Castleford mill

More than 50 people from businesses and organisations have been working at the site for the past three weeks.

The duke, the Queen’s cousin, will tour the mill – which is being turned into an arts and culture museum – next Thursday.

Alison Drake, chairwoman of Castleford Heritage Trust, which is carrying out the project, said: “Preparations have been going really well. I can’t believe how kind and hard working people have been.

“The community has never stopped since we first found out.

“I’m just overwhelmed by the wonderful community spirit and the generosity of people.”

The trust is currently converting the former Allinson’s flour mill into a museum, due to open in 2017.

The Duke of Gloucester will look at the work being done at the mill before having lunch with representatives from businesses and organisations across the country.

School children from all the primary schools in Castleford will also sing a specially-written song about the town’s heritage as part of the event.

Mrs Drake said: “We are hoping we will have hundreds of people on Aire Street for the visit and for the schoolchildren singing.

“We want it to be a true day of celebrations in Castleford.”

Mrs Drake thanked everyone for their support in getting the mill ready for the visit.

She added: “The influence of the visit has been like magic.

“It’s like someone has waved a magic wand where people have wanted to come and help.

“Hopefully it will encourage people to get behind our project.”