A 140-year-old church which was forced to shut when its congregation fell to less than a dozen, could be demolished.

The United Reformed Church, in South Church Road, Bishop Auckland, has been empty since closing a year ago.

Andrew Toes, of estate agents JW Wood, who is handling the sale, said converting it into a home would require a lot of effort.

He said buyers would probably rather demolish the building and develop the land.

"The planners have said we could possibly get three town houses by demolishing the building. I am sure the church could be converted, but it is a fairly large building with high ceilings," he said.

Mavis Adlington, who was a church elder, said she would like to see it taken over by a religious or community group.

"It would be ideal as a community building or educational centre, but it's all in the air at the moment. We are hoping things get moving again. The longer it's empty, the worse it is."

l Offers for the property, which is being sold by informal tender, should be submitted to JW Wood's Durham branch by Monday, February 12