PART of comic legend Stan Laurel’s old school is being offered for sale to developers.

The Laurel Building, originally King James 1 Grammar School, is being advertised by agents Sanderson Weatherall’s regional office in Newcastle.

The 145-year-old building, where the actor was a pupil in 1903, was almost destroyed by an arson attack in March 2007 and has needed extensive work to make it weatherproof and safe for inspection by prospective buyers.

Laurel, who was then known as Stanley Jefferson, was a boarder at King James when his father Arthur managed the nearby Eden Theatre.

He practised his early comic routines in the staff room before moving to the US and finding fame with partner Oliver Hardy.

Sanderson Weatherall are inviting offers for the building but neither they nor the council could give an estimated price yesterday.

Associate director John Haley said yesterday: "This building brings an exciting prospect to market, lending itself to a variety of uses including office, residential, education or leisure premises.

"Whilst working to complement the adjacent land currently used as school grounds, housing and a cricket ground, plans will need to reflect the original architecture of the building to ensure that development achieves a sympathetic and high quality restoration.

"Nonetheless, this prominent structure is a well known landmark for the local community and provides developers with the rare opportunity to bring a significant and treasured building back into use for the benefit of the town."

Offers are invited for the freehold interest by 4pm on Monday, 27th April 2009. Interested parties should contact Sanderson Weatherall for further information on 0191-269-0154.