New purpose for Gradbach Mill youth hostel site
A youth hostel at the site of an 18th Century mill is being turned into an outdoor education centre.
Newcastle-under-Lyme College in Staffordshire is buying Gradbach Mill Youth Hostel, Derbyshire.
It plans to renovate and refurbish the property, which includes the mill, a stone-built farmhouse and accommodation in the first half of next year.
The Youth Hostel Association (YHA) put Gradbach on the market, the college said.
The college added this was because its income was falling and profits from the sale were needed to invest in other YHA properties.
The site, near The Roaches and Leek, would provide "a beautiful setting for our students and youngsters from partner schools" to enjoy outdoor learning, college vice-principal Craig Hodgson said.