AN arsonist who set fire to Stan Laurel's former school was jailed today after breaching a supervision order four days after it was imposed.

The 15-year-old from Newton Aycliffe admitted starting the blaze in Bishop Auckland, County Durham, on September 3, and was given a two-year "intensive" supervision order.

Newton Aycliffe Youth Court heard today that the teenager failed to attend an activity on September 7 and education on September 10.

He was also sent home from supervision due to "none compliance and bad attitude".

The original supervision order was imposed when the teenager, who cannot be named for legal reasons, admitted starting the fire on March 3.

At an earlier hearing Newton Aycliffe Magistrates heard that he was searching rooms for copper to steal and was using a make-shift torch fashioned with a stick and paper.

He left the school but returned 20 minutes later to find the building well alight.

Empty since 2000, the building is known as the Laurel Building and is part of King James I Community College.

Comedy legend, Stan Laurel, boarded there between 1902 and 1903 before making his name alongside Oliver Hardy.

The youth pleaded guilty to the breach and was sentenced to an 18 month detention and training order, nine months of which will be custody and nine on licence.

Following the arson the future of the 143-year-old grade II-listed building is uncertain but campaigners hope it can be saved.

Mayor of Bishop Auckland, Barbara Laurie, has expressed hopes that the building could be restored for use as a council chamber, committee room and offices, with the remainder rented as business units.

A spokesman for Durham County Council said a report to clarify where the authority lies for decisions as to its future, has been drawn up and is due to be considered by county council officers later this month.