AN iconic windmill at Avoncroft Museum will benefit from restoration work thanks to a £1,917 grant.

Avoncroft Museum of Historic Buildings received the grant from SPAR retail and distribution company A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd, based in Willenhall, Walsall.

The money, which has been donated through its charitable trust, the Blakemore Foundation, will help restore the 19th century post mill.

The iconic windmill is one of only three surviving examples in the Midlands after it was rescued from Danzey Green near Tanworth-in-Arden in 1969.

Rachel Shepherd from the charity said: “We are overjoyed to receive such a generous grant from the Blakemore Foundation.

“The money will be used to help restore the Danzey Green Windmill, which is one of the key buildings in the museum’s collection and the focus of activity for many volunteers, visitors and education groups.

“All at the Avoncroft Museum would like to thank A.F. Blakemore for their support and wish the company a very happy 100th birthday!”

The money was handed out by A.F Blakemore as part of celebrations to mark its centenary year with a 1917 Heritage Grants Scheme to support local good causes.

The company accepted applications over spring and summer and in total awarded 12 charities and organisations with funding.

Avoncroft received its cheque at the Bromsgrove SPAR store on Broad Street, which is owned by A.F. Blakemore’s Retail division.

A.F. Blakemore community affairs officer Kate Senter said: “A.F. Blakemore & Son has a long history of supporting local good causes and the 1917 Heritage Grant Scheme has complemented this perfectly.

“The 1917 Heritage Grants Scheme received more than 400 worthy requests from good causes across the UK.

“It is hoped that each grant will support the local good cause’s sustainability for years to come in recognition of the company’s commitment to growing sustainably for the benefit of staff, customers and the community.”

A.F. Blakemore & Son Ltd was founded in 1917 as a counter grocery store in Wolverhampton, and is today the 44th largest privately owned business in the UK.