Building work on Alport Mill's water turbine, which will power 70 per cent of homes in Alport village, is now complete.

Haddon Estate head riverkeeper Warren Slayney said he was delighted with how the scheme had taken shape.

Mr Slayney said: "I'm chuffed as its the first mini-hydro in the Peak and we think it sets a superb example for other people.

"As a riverkeeper I'm very pleased as there's loads of technology which will always keep water running down my river."

Mr Slayney said mini-hydropower schemes were an excellent solution to preventing climate change without damaging wildlife or the landscape.
The Alport Mill water turbine scheme will save more than 100 tonnes of CO2 emissions ever year.

He added: "It fits in well with all the other sustainable projects in this area."

Lord Edward Manners commissioned the high-tech turbine, which will generate up to 30kW of electrical power from the River Lathkill.
Dales firm Derwent Hydro designed and then built the station over two months with the help of Lord Edward's staff.

The finished project includes a self-cleaning filter, low-profile powerhouse and buried electrical cables to link the turbine with the village.

The estate plans to hold an official opening day during the autumn.