Comedy legend's school for sale

The building could be converted to flats and offices

A County Durham school, once attended by comedy legend Stan Laurel, is to be sold off to ensure its future.

The 143-year-old Laurel Building in Bishop Auckland was badly damaged in an arson attack in March.

Durham County Council, which is the trustee of the Grade II Listed building, says insurance will not cover the full cost of restoration.

Money raised from a sale would be used to set up a charitable endowment for the benefit of local young people.

The council has agreed in principle to offer the building, which is now part of King James I Community College, for sale for possible conversion to flats and offices.

Open market

Lesley Davies, the council's acting director of corporate services, said that although insurance would cover rebuilding, the cost of fitting it out would have to be met by other sources.

She said: "The Trustee would be required to advertise the property on the open market to fulfil its obligation, under the terms of the trust, to secure the best price reasonably obtainable.

"Such changes in use would enable the trustee to maximise the capital receipt received from the property and the permanent endowment available for charitable purposes.

"It would also help to secure the future of the building."

Comedian Stan Laurel went to the school in the early 1900s before heading for Hollywood and making his name with Oliver Hardy.