A SPECIAL school moved out of a historic 19th Century mansion and into a £6m modern centre yesterday.

Work began almost two years ago to re-locate the former Windlestone Hall School, near Rushyford, two miles away in Chilton.

The 19th Century hall, once the family home of Fifties Tory Prime Minister Sir Anthony Eden, had been a school for almost 50 years, but following the need for expensive repairs, Durham County Council education chiefs decided that a new building was required.

The school was built on land the council owned at Blue House Farm, in Chilton, and was officially opened by county councillor George Porter.

The 60-place replacement school - now Windlestone School - has residential provision for up to 20 young people plus staff quarters.

Coun Porter said: "The headteacher, Peter Jonson, was very keen to incorporate the views of parents, governors, staff and pupils in the design of the school and the outcome is a school that will significantly enhance the opportunities and quality of education for young people with very particular needs now and in the future."

The council has found a buyer for the grade II-listed Windlestone Hall and its 20 acres of parkland, who intends converting it and demolishing unlisted parts for luxury flats.