MORE than 180 designs have been drawn up for a series of six sculptures set to dominate East Lancashire and put the area on the cultural map.

Now the public are to have their say on which of the 12-shortlisted works of 'modern art' which will sit in prominent locations in East Lancashire and are designed to encourage more people to come to the area will be successful.

The £1million scheme was revealed by the Lancashire Evening Telegraph in April, and a competition for designs was launched last month.

Three designs for the sculptures -- which are supposed to combine an artistic monument with a viewing point so people can watch East Lancashire -- will be chosen in the first phase of the competition.

It is the first major project to be funded by the new East Lancashire Regional Park project, which aims to invest millions in the area, making it more attractive for businesses and visitors.

Organisers say designs for the project -- which is called Panopticons -- have come from across the globe, with 180 possibilities having been received so far.

Nick Hunt, Director of Mid Pennine Arts and chair of judges, said: "We are delighted by the response, which shows how Panopticons has captured the imaginations of people far and wide. And we are delighted by the quality of entries as well as quantity. It will give us a headache this week, but one that we welcome!"

Jerry Spencer, head of design at the North West Development Agency -- which is funding the park -- and judge, said: "Panopticons will create a lasting legacy for the East Lancashire Regional Park, helping the local community to develop a sense of pride, as well as celebrating the artistic strength of the Northwest.

"The NWDA is pleased to support this exciting project, which has had an exceptional level of interest, regionally, nationally and internationally. The NWDA will continue to do its part to encourage more public art and better design, continuing the environmental regeneration of our region."

Dennis Taylor, chief executive of the East Lancashire Partnership, which is co-ordinating work on the Regional Park, said: "This will be a major feature in our vision to promote East Lancashire as a great place to live, work in and visit.

"These icons, strategically located at high points on key access routes into the Regional Park, will provide a striking addition to East Lancashire's magnificent landscape and will undoubtedly be a major talking point and tourist attraction."

The first three Panopticons are to be sited at The Coppice, Peel Park, Accrington; The Cannon Battery, Corporation Park, Blackburn; and Haworth Road Car Park, Wycoller Country Park, Pendle.

Sites firmly identified for a further three Panopticons are Crown Point, Burnley; Kemple End, Ribble Valley; and Top 'O Slate, Rossendale.

The winning designs will be announced next month. Blackburn-bred designer Wayne Hemingway chaired the panel.

The Panopticons website...