BEST-SELLING author Bill Bryson today gave his backing to multi-million pound plans to transform Burnley's historic Weavers' Triangle.

Mr Bryson, author of hits like Notes from a Small Island' and A Short History of Nearly Everything', said the proposals represented a thrilling' and wonderful' opportunity for the future of the town.

The writer, also an English Heritage Commissioner, was speaking at the launch of £260million plans to rejuvenate one of the oldest collections of industrial buildings in the country.

The scheme will see the area transformed into a business and education centre, as well as a leisure and tourism destination.

The Weavers' Triangle, beside the Leeds Liverpool Canal, was once at the heart of Burnley's textile industry.

It is made up of weaving sheds, spinning mills, foundries and warehouses from the Industrial Revolution some still in use as business units.

Now a masterplan has been drawn up to breathe new life in to the area, as well as raising Burnley's profile and image.

Speaking at the official launch of the plan yesterday, Mr Bryson said: "I find this whole scheme terribly exciting.

"It is wonderful to see these old buildings being put to new use, because they are too fantastic to waste and are a vivid reminder of what made this country great.

"This area may never be cotton mills again, but it can be transformed into wonderful new houses and businesses."

Over the next 15 years £51million of public money, from organisations such as the council, Lancashire County Council, British Waterways and regeneration body the North West Development Agency (NWDA), will lead to: l £213million being ploughed in from private investors.

l 195 businesses being set up.

l The creation, or safeguarding, of 4,763 jobs.

l The building of 315 homes.

It is intended to restore the Triangle's links with the town centre by improving pedestrian access to the canal.

The history of the area will be retained and combined with contemporary buildings. It will be split into four sub-areas: Gateway, Sandygate, Hammerton, and Finsley Gate.

The main elements of the zones would be office space, housing, the creation of landmark buildings around public squares, and canal- related leisure.

Work would start first in Hammerton and Sandygate.

Rossendale-based developer the Hurstwood Group, which owns some of the site, is also working on proposals for restaurants, bars, offices and houses.