THE man who kick-started the rejuvenation of a railway station now hopes to transform Stan Laurel’s former school into a museum dedicated to the legendary comedy actor.

Michael O’Neill, one of the founders of the Bishop Auckland Station Trust (Bast), wants to transform the fireravaged former King James I Grammar School, in Bishop Auckland, into a base for tourism.

Stanley Jefferson, who was born in Ulverston, Cumbria, where there is a museum in his honour, studied at King James I Grammar School between 1902 and 1903 after his parents, Arthur and Madge, established a theatre in Bishop Auckland.

After understudying Charlie Chaplin, Stan, using the stage surname Laurel, formed a partnership with Americanborn solo artist Oliver Hardy, creating Laurel and Hardy.

Mr O’Neill said: “Our aim is to return this grade II-listed building to its former glory.

“It will allow ours and future generations to see this beautiful historic building as it was in its heyday, and also celebrate the life of one of the world’s most famous comic actors, while creating a major tourist attraction.”

The campaigners also hope to use the building, which was nearly destroyed by a fire in 2007, as a drama centre.

Tony Hillman, the Grand Sheikh of the Laurel and Hardy appreciation society, the Hog Wild Tent of the Sons of the Desert, said the plan was a good idea, but suggested creating a general museum with a Stan Laurel section rather than dedicate the whole space to the comedian.

Mr Hillman said: “It would be very nice to see a Stan museum here, but with one that is so well established in Cumbria, it might not be feasible to have one in Bishop Auckland.

“The building does lend itself very well to becoming a museum.”

Mr O’Neill has contacted Durham County Council, which owns the building although Chris Myers, town centre development manager, said he is still waiting to hear from him. Mr Myers said: “We are currently looking at all options for the building to see how it can be best taken forward.”

Visit stanlaurelmuseum bishopauckland.yolasite.com for more information.