A Darlington college has been given a Christmas bonus with the first promise of cash towards a £2.6m extension.

The Further Education Funding Council has agreed to give 35pc of the cost of a purpose-built extension to the west wing of Queen Elizabeth sixth form college.

Principal Mr David Heaton said it was hoped to raise the remaining £1.5m by selling college annexes to a developer in what could be a prime site for new West End homes.

It would involve the sale of the Claremont creative arts centre, the drama centre and open land, which used to be a hockey field.

If successful, the deal will mean new laboratories for biology and chemistry, a new theatre and classrooms for English, drama, business studies, sport, leisure and tourism, earth sciences, sociology, arts design and music.

A planning application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council.

"I understand Claremont was built as a Victorian gentleman's residence and the drama centre was built at the turn of the century as a small primary school," said Mr Heaton.

"They have been put up for sale subject to planning permission and we certainly hope to resolve the issue early in the new year.

"We are waiting to see what the response is from would-be buyers. At the moment we haven't made a decision on exactly what will be sold.

He said the extension would provide purpose-built accommodation for the arts and drama sections and the rest of the west wing would also be renovated and updated.

"We have just learned that we will get the cash from the FEFC. The extension will be a fantastic addition to the college facilities if we do get it.

"The college is very excited at this proposed development because the main building is in excellent condition. When we are able to provide new accommodation where it is most needed, I think our facilities will be among the best.

"All we need now is the right price for the assets we are proposing to sell."