THE Northern Echo's campaign to keep a valuable collection of paintings in the region is one step closer to victory.

The Church of England is looking to sell artworks by 17th Century Spanish artist Francisco de Zurburan, which hang in Auckland Castle, Bishop Auckland, County Durham, to boost its coffers.

The Church Commissioners decided to part with the 13 life-size portraits of Jacob and his Twelve Sons even though they have been housed in the castle for 250 years.

But it has confirmed that Bowes Museum, in Barnard Castle, will get the first chance to purchase the series, of 12 originals and one replica, which was bought by Bishop Trevor in 1756.

Senior commissioners had intended to sell the paintings to the highest bidder, for between £5m and £20m, which could have meant them being split up or sold abroad.

But, with support from The Northern Echo, Bishop Auckland Civic Society, the town's MP Derek Foster, and other art lovers called for the paintings to be retained.

Church Commissioner Stuart Bell, MP for Middlesbrough, said the Zurburan paintings were discussed in an annual review last month.

Mr Bell said: "A panel of auctioneers and experts of 17th Century Spanish art is being formed to come up with an accurate market value.

"If Bowes Museum can secure the appropriate funds the paintings will be sold to the museum, though this is not immediate."

Mr Bell also said once the Zurburans were sold, replacement paintings will be bought from a portion of the proceeds.

Adrian Jenkins, director at Bowes Museum, said: "The Zurburans are an important part of the region's heritage so we would really like them at Bowes.

"We are now trying to secure funding to meet a sensible asking price."

Dr Bob McManners, chairman of Bishop Auckland Civic Society, still feels the collection should stay in the castle but is pleased that Bowes Museum is the favoured buyer.

Steve Jenkins, a Church of England spokesperson, said the sale of the Zurburan paintings would be in the interests of the church.

He said: "The commissioners will optimise their assets, in this case 12 valuable, and expensive to maintain, paintings by using them to raise money for investment and support the Church's work."