AN architect hired by the Church of England has praised the preferred site of Darlington's proposed education academy.

The academy, which is being sponsored by the church, would combine Hurworth and Eastbourne Schools on one site, off Yarm Road.

Mike Litchfield, managing director of the Howarth Litchfield Partnership, of Durham, visited the site, which is next to Tommy Crooks Park.

He said: "The site is very well located to serve the majority of young people in its catchment area.

"It has good communication links with the local communities it will serve, and the rest of the borough.

"I believe this site is a very attractive proposition for the academy."

The Department for Education and Skills (DfES) has agreed that the council-owned site is the right size for a 1,200-place school.

The playing fields, nature reserve, park and fishing ponds near to the site would remain after the academy was built.

Before the proposal can be given the go-ahead, a full study of the site must take place to confirm that it is appropriate for a school building.

This study, paid for by the DfES, will look at traffic, ground quality, planning concerns and building control.

Darlington Borough Council is working on an expression of interest to formally show the Government its interest in building an academy.

If the Government accepts this interest, the feasibility study will take place.

There will also be a full consultation to find out what people think about the proposal.