A windmill is going to cost thousands to repair after wind damaged part of the structure.

The Friends of Woodchurch Windmill are working with Ashford Borough Council to fix the village's wooden building after part of the sail broke off on Sunday.

The broken sail will be removed and a new one will be built to replace it.

Chairman Mel Bailey said: "I first found out that it was damaged at around 9am on Sunday from one of the neighbours.

"He told me he was looking at the windmill when he heard a sudden rush of wind and a crack and then half of the sail dropped onto the ground. It also punctured the gallery decking.

"I have a meeting with the council this week and we will look at the sculptural work.

"The wooden part will have to be removed and the whole sail will have to be built from scratch, including the shutters.

Staff members have put barrier tape around the windmill as a precaution, as some parts are still hanging loose.

Mr Bailey says that the repair costs are likely to be in the thousands, although a final figure is yet to be confirmed.

He added: "It would appear that the timber part was subject to some deterioration. It was partly down to the wind and partly down to the deterioration of the timber.

"It is likely to cost thousands to repair.

"The windmill will be repainted during Easter and it is likely that it will be repaired then as we are looking to incorporate the repair with the refurbishments."