BOSSES of what was once the region’s top agricultural college have pledged to restore some its former glory, after taking the campus off the market.

The future of East Durham College’s Houghall campus, near Durham, had been unclear since multi-million pound plans to build a fantasy theme park on the site collapsed earlier this year.

Developers Orcestrator wanted to create a mythical Dark Ages-style theme park, featuring sieges, feasts and battles, but the proposals fell apart.

Now the college’s board wants to retain the site, refurbish its buildings, take on more courses and students and re-establish its reputation.

Principal and chief executive Stuart Wesselby said: "We want to make it an outstanding agricultural college. This area needs one. It’s such a great site. It’s got potential."

Mr Wesselby plans to build an indoor equine area and more stables, increase the college’s involvement in sport and get into renewable energy generation, as part of a five-year refurbishment.

To fund the work, the college will expand its commercial side; including hosting weddings and summer schools and running a bigger garden centre.

Recently, college chiefs reached a deal with Durham University to provide accommodation for 40 students on the campus.

Mr Wesselby said: "We’re heading into tough times. We’ve got to make Houghall self-sustaining.

"We are looking at all the commercial opportunities that exist, partnerships across the county and we will explore with anyone who comes to us with a great idea."

Houghall was once considered the region’s foremost agricultural college but demand for farming training has slumped in recent years, forcing the college to offer other subjects.

However, it saw a 15 per cent rise in students this year, to 625 studying full-time courses.

Mr Wesselby said: "Since I started I have always maintained that the Houghall campus has great opportunities for the college and believe that the North-East needs a grade one agricultural college.

"We now have the opportunity to grow the provision at Houghall and deliver a grade one learning experience - alongside exploring all the commercial opportunities that we can for the site."