A historic part of Nelson could be transformed as part of a £20million flagship project to breathe new life into the town.

Top architects have unveiled their plans for the regeneration of Whitefield, as part of a prestigious design competition.

The area received national attention from architectural and heritage groups following residents' successful battle to save 160 Victorian terrace homes from demolition.

Designers from as far afield as Rotterdam entered a competition, run by the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) on behalf of the Whitefield Regeneration Partnership (WRP), and these impressions show how the area's housing could be transformed.

Residents have until 9pm tonight to view the entries and the man behind the regeneration body called on residents to make sure they have their say on the plans.

Lord Shutt of Greetland said: "Whitefield residents must get the first chance to influence which of these leading architects will be the ones to win the competition to regenerate this historic area.

"This is a very exciting era for Whitefield, where the community can play their part in getting their area into the national spotlight again.

"But this time it will not be in anger due to the threat of widescale demolition, but in a positive spirit of hope for a Whitefield we can all be proud of."

Plans from the six shortlisted developers will be on view until 4pm at Sure Start, Maurice Street, and between 6pm and 9pm at Whitefield Community Centre, Manchester Road.

Nelson-based Barnfield Construction and Clitheroe architects IWA are on the shortlist.

Urban Splash, which won an RIBA competition in 2004 to redevelop a site on the banks of the River Irwell in Salford and is working on a development in the New Islington area of Manchester, has also been nominated, as has Adactus Housing Group which is already creating a terrace of seven houses in Whitefield.

However, the submissions are anonymous to prevent any bias.

Residents' views will be taken on board at the judging on Monday when two companies will be asked to submit detailed financial information. A winner will be chosen in late March. Judges will include Mohammed Iqbal, of the WRP, and resident Sylvia Wilson.

She said: "This is our community and our homes, so it's vital that we play a major role in shaping the future of Whitefield."