An iconic landmark windmill on the north Norfolk marshes is looking at its best again after having a new set of sails fitted.

Eastern Daily Press: Cley Windmill new sails are fixed in place. Picture: CHRISTAYLORPHOTO.CO.UKCley Windmill new sails are fixed in place. Picture: CHRISTAYLORPHOTO.CO.UK (Image: Archant)

Cley Windmill has featured in countless photos and paintings, movies, television shows and even a BBC link graphic between programmes.

Eastern Daily Press: Cley Windmill staff and builders celebrate the new sails. Picture: CHRISTAYLORPHOTO.CO.UKCley Windmill staff and builders celebrate the new sails. Picture: CHRISTAYLORPHOTO.CO.UK (Image: Archant)

Just last week it appeared in a picture of the Aurora Borealis taken by a local photographer - but with just empty wooden arms silhouetted against the stunning sky.

Eastern Daily Press: Bird's eye view of Cley Windmill resplendent with its new sails. Picture: CHRISTAYLORPHOTO.CO.UKBird's eye view of Cley Windmill resplendent with its new sails. Picture: CHRISTAYLORPHOTO.CO.UK (Image: Archant)

Now it has a full set of white sail vanes again - hoisted into place by a crane.

Eastern Daily Press: Cley mill without its sails just a week ago, when the aurora borealis lit up the night skies. Photo: Brian Egan PhotographyCley mill without its sails just a week ago, when the aurora borealis lit up the night skies. Photo: Brian Egan Photography (Image: Brian Egan Photography)

They will not turn, but the historic building - which has switched from milling to tourism for its trade - is now back to its former glory.

Owner Carolyn Godlee, who took over the mill in 2006 with husband Julian, said: 'We see ourselves as custodians of this very special landmark. The arrival of the new sails is a special day for us all.'

The team running the venue were '100% committed to the upkeep of this historic 'old lady by the sea,' she added - with all profits from its hotel, dining and function business being ploughed back into its maintenance.

They were disappointed at being turned down for a Heritage Lottery grant towards the project - replacing 'tatty and sad' sails last renewed in 1986.

The new sails should last another 25 years, she added.

The vanes, along with a new fan-stage and walkway, were made by Buntings builders from Stibbard near Fakenham, who did nearby Weybourne mill seven years ago and Dereham mill last year.

Co-owner Daryl Bunting, 42, said the 10.5m Cley sails were made of pressure-treated redwood. Each took about two weeks to make and were put in place - fixed using metal bolts - using a cherry-picker and crane.

Mr Bunting from Great Ryburgh said the Cley Windmill was 'iconic - so well-known and photographed' and the work was being done 'not a moment too soon'. He was pleased more people got to appreciate the mill through its current use.