THERE was flour, icing and three very fluffy sheep as an historic Winchester building officially launched as a gateway to the South Downs National Park.

From Saturday a permanent exhibition will be open at City Mill, which will introduce people to walking, cycling and spending time in the nearby park.

Twelve Year 3 and 4 Winnall Primary School children tried their hand at decorating sheep-shaped biscuits at the mill on Tuesday, before meeting Peanut, Bubba and Cloud - Southdown sheep brought in especially from the Wolfhanger Southdowns flock.

Liam Labram, aged nine, said he enjoyed the workshop.

"I have been here before, and I have to say it is really nice," he said.

"The biscuits were really nice - it was fun making them."

The National Trust, which owns and runs the mill, has teamed up with the SDNP Authority for the project.

Stephen Sibbald, interpretation officer, said the mill is now the western gateway for the park and will inform visitors of what is available.

He said: "The South Downs Way from Winchester to Eastbourne starts and ends at King Alfred's statue and runs right past the mill.

"We want to give people an idea of what's on offer across the park with information and inspiration. It will help visitors experience the national park to its full potential."

City Mill manager, Ric Weeks, showed off the extensive map which was being installed and said it details the National Trust properties in the park.

"Very few people realise the national park is actually on our doorstep here," he said.

"It [the exhibition] is there to raise awareness of the park and the beautiful locations there are to see, the many attractions and also to detail the National Trust work in the park."

The National Trust looks after around 6,500 hectares in the South Downs National Park over 30 locations.