A former school is attracting attention from prospective buyers after going on the market for £500,000.

St Anne's High School, in Wolsingham, shut down almost two years ago because it could not attract enough pupils to remain viable.

It was supported for 110 years by the Catholic Sisters of Mercy, in Sunderland, who were experiencing falling numbers when trustees made the decision to close the centre.

Agents Christie and Co have advertised the building as a development opportunity this week and are already taking calls from potential purchasers.

Adrian Mattock, from the company's Newcastle office, said: "This is quite a large site and, subject to planning approval, it could have a whole range of different uses such as residential or retirement homes, a hotel or care home.

"It is in a popular rural area and I am sure a lot of people would want to live there. So far I have been pleasantly surprised that there has been a lot of interest from the limited marketing we have done."

The school has a chapel, gym, catering kitchen and tennis courts. Contact Christie's on 0191-222-1740 for details.