ECO-friendly homes created out of the shells of 13 derelict houses have been officially unveiled.

The rundown Victorian terrace properties in Stanley Street, Nelson, have been transformed into seven modern homes thanks to a £946,000 scheme.

And already a number of the houses, which are on the market for around £149,000, have been bought.

The work, which started in November last year, has been carried out by Pearl2, Pendle Council’s joint venture company, with Barnfield Investment Properties, and has been funded by the Homes and Communities Agency, Regenerate Pennine Lancashire and the Heritage Lottery Fund.

It is part of a wider regeneration scheme to breathe new life into the Whitefield area, which is a gateway to Nelson.

Community leaders believe it will play a vital role in inviting more people into the town.

Councillor Tonia Barton, chairman of Whitefield Regeneration Partnership, said: “We have made massive inroads into regenerating Nelson - just walk round the corner and look at our modernised terraces on Every Street, our revitalised Market Street, our new ACE Centre and the work to reopen our high street.

“Today is a day for celebration, it shows what we can achieve and what can be done.”

The homes include eco-friendly features including a micro-CHP (Combined Heat and Power) boiler system to save on bills.

Sun pipes have also been installed to bring natural light to the cloak room and landing.

And recycled materials, including blue Welsh roof slates and stone from former kitchen extensions have been used in the build.

Brian Cookson, Pendle’s regeneration director, said: “The scheme had to balance heritage-conservation with energy efficiency and the need to create a mixed type of housing. These are the keys to long-term sustainability and a thriving neighbourhood.”

The Mayor of Pendle Coun Tony Beckett cut the ribbon at the properties yesterday (Wed).

A number of other regeneration projects are scheduled to start in the Whitefield area next year.