A Darlington college has announced plans for a £2.6m extension.

Queen Elizabeth Sixth Form College is proposing an L-shaped extension to the west wing at its Vane Terrace site.

If successful, it will mean new laboratories for biology and chemistry, a new theatre, and classrooms for English, drama, business studies, sport, leisure and tourism, earth sciences, sociology, arts, design and music.

Principal David Heaton said: "The college is already fortunate in that we have a beautiful main building, and the facilities are already good.

"But what we are trying to do is enhance the areas we feel are not as up-to-date as they should be, to prepare the college for the 21st Century."

A planning application has been submitted to Darlington Borough Council, but is still in its early stages and depends on a number of factors.

College chiefs must ensure they have sufficient money when the project goes to tender, and will need cash from the Further Education Funding Council, as well as money from the sale of two college annexes.

Mr Heaton said: "We're trying not to get too excited about it, but we think it's an excellent idea.

"We're financially realistic, but it will only go ahead if all the conditions are met."

The extension is the second stage of a three phase revamp of the college.

The first was a library extension, completed this year.

Mr Heaton said: "If we do this with the same style that we did in the library, then I think people will have something to look forward to." The third phase will be the improvement of sports facilities, including upgrading the playing fields and creating a sports hall.

Mr Heaton said: "If this project goes ahead it will represent a wonderful investment in post-16 education for the people of Darlington and the surrounding area."