The lost village of Tide Mills is about to give up its secrets.

Once the site of a prosperous 19th Century watermill, its history chronicles mutiny and execution.

The ruins of the bustling stone streets and houses have been neglected and derelict since they were blown up during the Second World War to prevent German soldiers using them as a base.

But in the past six months the village, near Seaford, has been cleaned up by offenders on community service.

This weekend the site will be open to the public with tours.

The project to turn it into a tourist attraction was a joint effort by the Sussex branch of the National Probation Service (NPS) and English Heritage.

Offenders including car thieves and burglars have helped create historical and ecological information boards.

Tomorrow there will be free tours every half-hour from 10.30am to 3pm.

The mill, which was the largest in Sussex, produced up to 1,500 bags of flour a week and more than 100 people lived nearby. English Heritage recognised the significance of the mill and threw its weight behind the project.

Grain was brought in on barges and as the tide came in three large millponds were filled. As the tide receded, water was released through sluice gates to drive the mill's 16 grinding stones.

In 1795, unpaid, starving soldiers mutinied and stole bags of flour from the mill. Two were later executed by firing squad in Brighton and four others were given 150 lashes.

The land, now owned by Newhaven Port Authority, once had a marine hospital on the beach and at one point was the Chailey Heritage Craft School for seriously disabled children.

In the Twenties, part of the village was taken over by Captain David Dale's racing stables and later the mill buildings were converted into a bonded warehouse for London's Caf Royal.

Cynara Davies, of English Heritage, said: "The project has involved up to 50 adults who may not normally have had the opportunity to engage with and learn about the historic environment while developing their skills."

The Sussex NPS will keep the site clear and next year English Heritage will continue this partnership by carrying out an archaeological survey.

Brian Clark, chief officer of the NPS in the county, said: "The rehabilitation of offenders being punished on this scheme will benefit the community with an historical memento and it also helps reduce the level of crime.

"Offenders work unpaid and two unacceptable absences result in them returning to court."

This weekend is Heritage Open Days weekend and properties usually closed to the public will be open with free admission.

There are 18 in East Sussex and 24 in West Sussex, including Wilmington Priory, Eastbourne, which dates back to 1215, and Worthing's Dome Cinema, which opened in 1911.

Visit www.heritageopendays.org or call 08700 670066. Lines are open until September 13.