THE conversion of Bolton's oldest mill was given the royal seal of approval when the Duke of Gloucester visited Bolton yesterday.

The royal architect was in Bolton for the grand opening of the £1 million probation centre in St Helena Mill.

The Duke heard the history of the former cotton mill which dates back to 1777 and is where Crompton built the first spinning mule.

And, after seeing the mill for himself and unveiling a plaque, the Duke praised those involved in turning the redundant dilapidated mill into modern offices housing 70 workers who deal with 1,000 offenders each year.

He said: "All historic buildings need to be looked at with special attention but this one is a monument to the pioneers of the industrial revolution.

"I am sure the ghosts of those pioneers would be surprised to find their very solid building used, not for industry, but new uses, processing people and solving their problems.

"I hope those who come here will find a building that will be of consequence to them and of benefit to the community. When people pass here they should not think of it as an historic building only, but one where people can come for effective help."

Earlier the Duke spoke to former mill owners, 82-year-old twins, Robert and Harold Walker who told him they were delighted to see the mill in use again.

The Duke, the Queen's cousin and14th in line to the throne, also met probation service staff who told them about their work with offenders.

During the visit he was introduced to two young offenders probation service programmes to keep them out of trouble.

The Duke left Bolton to head for Manchester where he was due to open the City's new Crown Courts.

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