It was decided that the new sails would be identical, at the larger pitch.

The mill has since been refurbished, the first new sail was added on 1 June 2007, with a second, later.

The mill was restored over the next two years and new sails fitted.

They feared it would force others to follow suit by having to buy new sails.

The mill was house converted at some point, with two new sails being fitted in 1914.

"All we know for sure is that the new sails wouldn't stand up to the normal sailing loads," he said.

"Give me half an hour and we'll have a new sail drawing!"

A restoration was undertaken in 1964 when new sails were fitted.

A further restoration was carried out in 2004, new sails were fitted.

As of June 2009, the mill is under repair, with new sails being made.