DUNCOMBE Sawmill, one of Ryedale's oldest business, has been saved from closure at the 11th hour after benefactors stepped in and saved the jobs of its seven staff and agreed to give it a future.

The sawmill, which has been in business for over a century at Helmsley, had been owned by Lady Clarissa Collin and the Nawton Tower Estate for many years.

This week, it reopened as a limited company and its prospects look bright, said manager Steve Arnold, who has been part of the workforce for 16 years. He and other unnamed individuals in Helmsley who were anxious to see the sawmill survive agreed to take over the enterprise.

"We have had marvellous support from Lady Clarissa and HSBC," added Steve.

The business specialises in making fences, field and garden and driveway gates as well as making other items such as sheep troughs.

Almost all the timber used at the sawmill is produced locally, said Steve.

"We are a major contributor to the rural economy in Helmsley and everyone is over the moon that we have saved the company and our jobs."

The new company already has orders on its books after word got out that the sawmill was back in business. Longest-serving member of staff Ivan Plowman, who has worked at the sawmill for 29 years, said: "It's great that the business is to continue because we have not only kept our jobs but we shall still be able to serve farmers and householders over a wide area as we have done for many years."

Lady Clarissa Collin said last night that she was delighted that the sawmill was to continue. "It has been in existence for many decades and has been an important part of Helmsley's life."

She said she bought out Lord Feversham's share in the business some 18 years ago. It had been part of the Duncombe Park Estate and the Nawton Tower Estate when they were owned by her father, the Earl of Feversham, who died 40 years ago. "I do wish the sawmill every success in the future," she said.

Updated: 12:01 Wednesday, October 01, 2003