Whitchurch Silk Mill is set to benefit from a four-figure funding boost thanks to nominations from the public.

The Mill, which is currently closed due to the coronavirus outbreak, has been named as one of 500 winners in the Movement for Good awards – a scheme run by specialist insurer Ecclesiastical in which a total of £1million will be donated to charities this summer.

It comes at an important time, with the 200-year-old Grade II listed textile mill currently closed at what would usually be its busiest period of the year.

The Mill is funded by visitors’ admission fees and income from the sale of gifts and refreshments. Normally 30,000 people visit every year to see the unique working museum, and so its closure means it is losing out on vital income.

The Mill is now at great risk – a risk that increases everyday, according to director Sue Tapliss.

The donation from the Movement for Good will help the facility preserve living silk weaving heritage at the Mill and re-open when the government allow museums to open.

Sue Tapliss, Mill Director said: “Thank you to everyone who voted for the Mill, they have helped us get a step closer to saving this unique working museum. The Mill was recently transformed by a major restoration project which also created a modern visitor experience.

“The closure due to Covid-19, while necessary, means we will have fewer visitors than we need to survive, and with very little in reserve to reopen, the Mill is at great risk.”

Mark Hews, group chief executive at Ecclesiastical, said: “We would like to thank every single person who took the time to nominate a good cause as part of our Movement for Good awards. Ecclesiastical is a unique financial services group.

“We are owned by a charity which means all available profits can be given to the good causes that are so important to our customers. As a company whose purpose is to contribute to the greater good of society, charitable giving is at the heart of our business.

“We know that £1,000 can make a huge difference to the incredible work that charities do and we’re looking forward to seeing how this financial boost will change lives for the better.”

To find out more about the campaign to save the Mill go to www.justgiving.com/campaign/supportwhitchurchsilkmill