A WEST Somerset business returned to 18th century technology this week when it installed a 100-year-old waterwheel.

Now the Two Rivers Paper Company at Pitt Mill is the only place in the UK where water power is used to make paper from old rags.

The wheel was transported from Wales to 17th century Pitt Mill, on the Mineral Line at Roadwater, earlier this month and was winched into place on Wednesday.

It was installed by wheelwright Malcolm Cooper, of Carem Water Crafts, pictured on the left with mill owner Jim Patterson.

The wheel, made redundant in 1920, weighs two and a half tons, stands 11 feet high and is now back in service, helping to produce some of the finest hand-made watercolour paper in the world.

Mr Patterson plans to expand papermaking at Pitt Mill and use the buildings s a venue for papercraft and fine art courses. He sees Pitt Mill as a viable cottage industry - not a rural museum - where traditional, educational and environment friendly skills are put into practice.

Photo: Steve Guscott.