AN arson attack has cost a school its gymnasium, where pupils have enjoyed PE lessons for 80 years.

Police are investigating the blaze on Wednesday evening at King James I Community College, in Bishop Auckland.

Firefighters were called to the lower school gym, where someone had broken down the door and started the fire in a staff office.

Headteacher Ed Lott, who was assessing the cost of the damage yesterday, fears repairs would be uneconomic because of damage to electrical wiring and other services.

The gym is dedicated to former pupils who died in the First World War and was to be demolished to make way for new development on the site, including a new sports hall.

It was still being used for PE and other activities, which will now have to move into the main school building, where there is another gym and recreation hall.

Mr Lott said: "I am absolutely sickened that we have lost a facility like this. One of the things highlighted in our recent Ofsted report was that we were providing really good lessons in poor facilities.

"The only thing we can do is to take it out of commission. It would be uneconomical to repair, and I have asked Durham County Council to board it up. Even though the fire brigade were quickly on the scene, the damage is quite extensive to the office and changing rooms, as well as gas and water pipes.

"It is in the old part of the school where there are plans to develop a sports hall and a conference centre, and buildings are either being demolished or refurbished.

"Whatever happens, the plaque in memory of our war victims will be kept and moved elsewhere."

Detectives investigating the fire appealed for witnesses last night.

They urged anyone who was in the area between 6pm and 7.40pm to contact them on (01388) 603566.