PLANS for a sixth-form college in east Durham could win backing in principle from council decision-makers.

Durham County Council's cabinet will be recommended next Wednesday to approve a 500-place college next to St Bede's RC Comprehensive School at Peterlee.

The idea has been under investigation for a few years and is seen by education chiefs as a way of encouraging youngsters to stay at school after 16.

The college, which could be called Byron College, would cost between £14m and £18m.