INVESTORS have offered to throw a lifeline to save a defunct private school and turn it into a community asset.

Malsis School at Glusburn, which closed last December, could be turned into a site for sport and a centre for academic workshop facilities.

Leading the initiative is Adrian Lisle, a former advisor to two ministers in the Tony Blair government, who is backed by former pupils.

The school closed following a failed merger with Giggleswick School and its 61 pupils and their parents were informed early in November, that it would permanently close at the end of the autumn term.

The site features a grade two listed building and 32 acres of land, including playing fields, outbuildings, a small golf course and lake. A war memorial chapel has stained glass windows which bears the name of former pupils who fought in the two world wars.

Mr Lisle said should the offer be accepted the purchase and restoration would create significant long-term employment for the local community.

"The consortium wants to avoid the cherry picking of the site by developers which would leave the historic main school building derelict and abandoned.

“Malsis School has a proud history of providing top-class education and sports facilities for the pupils, the majority of which were boarders.

"I believe these facilities should now be opened up to allow local groups to benefit from the stunning grounds, the substantial sport facilities which includes astro-turf and a 3km mountain bike track, as well as the theatre and art and design studios.”

The school had educated many thousands of pupils for almost a century – many of whom went on to be leaders in business, sport, medicine and the arts.

"Through a lack of investment over the past ten years the school was doomed to fail. However, with such fantastic facilities in an enviable location we believe we can honour the Malsis history and make it fit to move forward for another 100 years," he added.