A BUILDING used as North Yorkshire Police's headquarters for nearly 40 years has been put up for sale.

The force's Newby Wiske site, in Northallerton, is now on the market ahead of their move to a new premises at Alverton Court, also in Northallerton, in autumn 2017.

The police and crime commissioner's office would not say what the sale was expected to raise.

Newby Wiske Hall, the Grade II-listed country home, has been used since the old North Riding Constabulary adapted it for use as a training centre in 1954.

Chief Constable Dave Jones said: "It is significant that such an important project for North Yorkshire Police continues to move forward, as it will ensure we can provide a more effective, efficient and sustainable policing service for everyone in our county.

"Although there will be many that will be saddened by the loss of such a historical policing building, Newby Wiske Hall can no longer support the demands of a modern police service."

Alverton Court was built in 1999 and offers staff modern facilities and good public transport links.

North Yorkshire Police selected the site because it is just six miles from the current HQ and will have a minimal impact on the workforce.

It will also be less expensive to run, more efficient and give the police better accommodation.

Julia Mulligan, Police and Crime Commissioner for North Yorkshire, said: "One of the first commitments I made on taking up office was to move North Yorkshire Police out of the expensive and largely unsuitable Newby Wiske site into more accessible accommodation, better suited to a modern police service.

"Putting Newby Wiske Hall up for sale is a very welcome step along this journey, but one with mixed emotions. It has been used by police in North Yorkshire for over 60 years, but it is right we are moving on and can look the future with confidence."

Interested parties should contact Graham Tyerman at Keir on (01642) 727453.