TOP architects from across Europe are being invited to come up with designs for a £20million project to revitalise a deprived area of Nelson.

The Royal Institute of British Architects has launched a competition to revamp part of Whitefield which was saved from demolition two years ago. Architects, urban designers and developers have been asked to come up with 'innovative' plans for more than 150 terraced homes, new community facilities and open spaces.

The contest follows on from last November's Enquiry by Design project and the successful team will not just have to come up with a blueprint -- they will have to build their scheme.

Chairman of Pendle Council's housing market renewal committee Coun Tony Greaves said: "This is thrilling news.

"We are looking for a winning scheme which will give widespread acclaim, help put Nelson on the map and create a wonderful neighbourhood for local residents.

"It's quite exciting. We have no idea how many people are going to put in for it but a similar competition was run in Morecambe and they got over 200 expressions of interest."

The competition was launched this week and teams have until December 8 to enter. Councillors, heritage experts, Elevate bosses and residents will judge the designs which will be whittled down to a final six. There will be a public exhibition of the final designs and a winner will be picked in February.

The future of the area has been uncertain for several years and residents fought to keep homes set for demolition through two public inquiries.

Coun Greaves said: "It is frustrating that it is another wait and another investigation."