BLACKBURN-born fashion designer Wayne Hemingway is to judge a worldwide design competition for six landmarks which will dominate East Lancashire's skyline.

The Red or Dead brand creator, who has more recently started making waves in architectural circles, has agreed to lead a panel of experts who will pick which designs make up the £1million Panopticons project.

Funded through Government grants, the project aims to create massive publicity for the area, drawing new visitors into East Lancashire therefore having a big impact on the local economy.

Mid Pennine Arts launched a worldwide competition among architects last month, with participants asked to design a landmark which would add to the prominent location it would be sited on as well as providing a viewing platform or shelter for people to take in the countryside.

The first three will be sited at Peel Park, Accrington; Corporation Park, Blackburn and Wycoller Country Park, Pendle.

A further three are planned at Kemple View, in the Ribble Valley; Top O'th Slate above Rawtenstall and Crown Point in Burnley.

Wayne, whose wife Gerardine is from Padiham, will sit on the jury panel for the competition along with other representatives from the Royal Institute of British Architects.

Competitors, who could include architects and artists from all over the world, will be able to enter a design for just one landmark or can submit ideas for all of the sites. It is hoped that two designs per year will be put up over the three next years and be as much talked about around the globe as Gateshead's famous Angel of the North.

Lancashire County Council is working closely with the six district councils in East Lancashire to financially help the project together with the Mid Pennine Arts organisation which has also secured funding to support the initiative.

The East Lancashire Environmental Arts Network (ELEAN) will manage the scheme.

Lancashire County Council's cabinet member for information and cultural services, Marcus Johnstone, said: "East Lancashire is already home to some fantastic landmarks and viewpoints, but this competition is an exciting way to create even more memorable sites.

"I am confident that the new designs will put East Lancashire on the map and attract visitors who may never have thought of visiting this part of the county.

"The fact someone as high-profile as Wayne Hemingway is helping to judge the competition will make the project even more prestigious."

The project is part of the Regional Park concept being developed to draw in visitors to East Lancashire. Using Government money, the project -- run by the East Lancashire Partnership of businesses and councils -- will aim to make maximum use of the environment while at the same time bringing in new business.