ARCHITECTS worldwide are being invited to design homes of the future for the Lake District and Yorkshire Dales.

The villages of Burneside, near Kendal, and Horton-in-Ribblesdale, near Settle, are the focus of the competition launched by the Royal Institute of British Architects, known as RIBA.

According to the brief, the dwellings must fit in with their surroundings and be well designed and flexible.

"We are looking for exciting and cutting-edge designs and a greater offer for younger generations," said Richard Dowson, consultant with the Great Place: Lakes and Dales project, which is funded by the Heritage Lottery and Arts Council England, and is a partner in the competition.

He added: "We definitely don't want boring boxes. Successful entries will be interesting and attractive to younger generations and professionals."

South Lakeland District Council's portfolio holder for culture and leisure, Cllr Robin Ashcroft, greeted the project as "tremendously exciting".

"The competition is a great opportunity to provide much-needed, affordable housing in an innovative way, with architectural excellence to the fore," he said. "I can't wait to see how the entrants interpret the brief.”

The Burneside plot is beside the Willink recreation ground and Hesleyholme, while the Horton-in-Ribblesdale site is at the village's northern end, on the Ribblehead road.

Architects have until Wednesday (April 24) to submit their interest, then a shortlist of six will be chosen to go forward.

Judges will include the designer Wayne Hemingway, who founded fashion label Red or Dead.