Wales' only working windmill is being reopened to the pubic following restoration work.

Melin Llynon in Llanddeusant will be officially handed over to its present-day owner, Richard Holt, five years after he took over one of Anglesey best known attractions.

A grand opening on Saturday will raise money for the Rhyd y Llan appeal in the run-up to the 2026 Urdd National Eisteddfod, which will be held at the Mona showground.

Richard, a renowned chef from Talwrn, said: "Back in 2019, my family and I took a huge leap of faith in an attempt to keep Melin Llynon open for the next 25 years. When we discovered that the windmill was no longer operational, the mill’s future did not look promising."

"However, Anglesey County Council recognised the importance of its heritage and stepped in to help. We now have the privilege of being custodians of the last working windmill in Wales and a duty to maintain it for future generations."

"The cherry on the top was being able to offer a job to Lloyd Jones, the miller who had previously worked here up to 2016. We are now training young apprentice millers and hope to create many more career opportunities moving forward."

The windmill, known for its famous Mônuts, was previously run by Anglesey Council until it was sold in April 2019.

By then, the mill needed essential work to ensure the safety of its staff and visitors, which the council agreed to carry out.

The Covid pandemic help up repairs until contractors finally arrived at the windmill two years ago, carrying out the work as part of the regeneration programme for North Anglesey.

A £100,000 grant from the UK Government's 'Shared Prosperity' fund has helped to complete the work at no cost to the taxpayer, with the mill now set to generate income for the council going forward.

Glyn Haynes, chairman of Anglesey Council, said: "It will be a privilege to join guests at Llanddeusant to celebrate both the past and future of this iconic, and unique, building."

"This special day represents the culmination of a significant period of work between Mr Richard Holt and officers from county council – with the support and expertise of Cadarn Consulting Engineers and Grosvenor Construction Ltd."

"Saturday will also show the county council's commitment towards collaboration – one of our key values. Collaboration has been vital in this project which has preserved a piece of history and heritage for future generations – despite the significant financial challenges faced by local government."

"By working together, we have ensured that Melin Llynon remains the only operating windmill in Wales. Thank you to our staff and partners – and of course to Richard Holt – I wish him the very best of luck with his future endeavours."

It's not the first time restoration work has been completed on Melin Llynon, which was built in the late 18th century as part of the Llynon estate.

The mill was initially run by several generations of the same family, before being taken over by Robert Rowlands, who was from a famous family of local millers.

Melin Llynon is the last of around forty operational mills that ran on the island in the 19th century, and in 1952, it secured Grade II listed status.

Anglesey Council brought the site in 1978 - but it was severely damaged during a storm and the council undertook substantial repairs to bring it back into use.

Saturday's grand opening event also marks the 40th anniversary of the initial opening by the then-Mayor of Anglesey, Cllr TD Roberts.

Cllr Gary Pritchard, the newly elected leader of Anglesey Council, said: "Significant work has been undertaken over the last two years to secure Melin Llynon's future. It is now in Richard's hands thanks to a 25-year lease, and we wish him every success on his new venture."

"He has already worked tirelessly to raise the profile of the site, turning Melin Llynon into a world-renowned attraction."

"It's great to see a local resident succeed with a venture which has also boosted the community and the Island. As a county council, we are delighted to be able to play a small part in supporting it as this exciting journey continues into the future!"

The Melin Llynon grand opening takes place on Saturday from 10am-4pm.