A restored piece of industrial heritage in the Yorkshire Dales was thrown open to the public as part of the week long Festival of British Archaeology.

It gave people a chance to see how Skipton -based JN Bentley had brought to life the ancient hydroelectric power station at Linton Falls, near Grassington .

More than a century after it was built by the Grassington Electricity Supply Company, and after years of disuse, it has been brought to life following a £500,000 and three year-long project.

The power station, which is a scheduled monument, has already won an award and is also in the running for the nationwide Heritage Angel Award.

“English Heritage were keen for us to enter because they are delighted with what we have done here,” said Austin Flather, JN Bentley’s hydro-electric power manager.

“Since finishing the project and building up expertise, the company has been involved in the construction of several other new hydro-electric power stations.”

When running fully the building should generate 500,000 kWh of electricity every year, enough to power about 90 homes.

English Heritage worked closely with the company to ensure the restoration works were carried out in a way which was sympathetic to the surroundings.

The building will again be open to the public on September 6 and 7 during English Heritage week.

It is also open privately to schools in Skipton and Grassington.