A retired teacher is fighting to save the school he worked at for 39 years from being demolished.

Northbrook College is one of Worthing's few surviving examples of art moderne architecture, a Thirties style often identified with art deco.

But it is due to be sold to developers who want to replace it with homes for the elderly.

Chris Lowe, 62, has applied to English Heritage to list the building in a last-ditch attempt to save it from the bulldozers.

He said: "If Regency architecture is Brighton's defining style then moderne or art deco is Worthing's.

"The architecture represents a pretty bold departure by the designers and it was pioneering of Worthing to support so much of it."

The college wants to sell the art college and the surrounding 1.5 acres to boost its finances.

Developer McCarthy and Stone is only interested in buying the site if it can demolish the college and build 74 flats.

Other examples of art deco and moderne architecture in the town include the Connaught Theatre and several seafront buildings.

The style flourished along the South Coast in the years leading up to the Second World War.

Bexhill's De La Warr Pavilion, of the same style, has recently undergone an £8 million refurbishment, while Brighton's Embassy Court, in Kings Road, has been fully restored.

Architect Paul Zara, who led the Embassy project, has written to English Heritage supporting Mr Lowe's campaign, saying similar buildings around the country are Grade II listed.

The Worthing Society, which protects the town's heritage, supports the campaign.

Publicity officer Tony Malone said: "We are trying to get away from the idea of Worthing being for older people. We want the vibrancy of youngsters as well."

Elm Lawn House on the site is listed and the developers plan to restore and incorporate it in the plans.

English Heritage's decision was due on October 31 but has been delayed.

A McCarthy and Stone spokesman said: "It's a cracking site for a scheme like this because the elderly people would be looking to live independently and be part of a community."

College principal David Percival said he could not comment on the planning process. Worthing Borough Council is to decide on the planning application on November 15.