TOP architects will be in Nelson on Friday to find out how Whitefield residents want to see their ward developed.

Six teams of designers and developers from across the country are battling it out for the opportunity to create a £20million flagship regeneration project in the area.

Whitefield has received national attention from architectural and heritage groups, and caught the eye of Prince Charles, following residents' successful battle to save 160 Victorian terrace homes from demolition.

Friday's visit is part of a prestigious design competition run by the Royal Institute of British Architects, and the six shortlisted teams will look around the area, talk to local people, and meet the new Whitefield Regeneration Partnership which will play a vital part in the transformation process.

Coun Tony Greaves, a regeneration leader for Pendle Council, said: "This is a real step forward on the road to the regeneration of what has been a blighted part of Nelson - there is a real sense of excitement in the air.

"We are hoping to get some really good proposals so we can choose a scheme which will be a beacon for the revival not just of Whitefield, but of Nelson and Pendle as a whole."

The winning team will help Pendle bring to life its masterplan to regenerate Whitefield, which was drawn up with the help of Prince Charles' design team, The Prince's Foundation for the Built Environment.

Key aspects of the masterplan are the sensitive restoration and significant refurbishment of terrace housing, innovative ways of adapting historic terrace housing for a better quality of life, new housing and new community facilities. It will also involve the demolition of a small number of homes.

Chief executive of Elevate East Lancashire, Max Steinberg, said: "We are delighted that this area has attracted attention from some of the leading names in British architecture.

"Good design, which is responsive to the needs of modern communities, is an integral part of Elevate's strategy for Housing Market Renewal.

"We are actively promoting high standards in design, and this competition is an excellent example of how to ensure that new, and refurbished homes can be sensitively integrated within an area of significant historic value."