TEN of the country's top landscape designers have been invited to put forward ideas for a £2m transformation of one of the region's gardens.

Sunniside Gardens was originally laid out in 1821, but is being redesigned as a centrepiece for the £130m regeneration of the historic heart of Sunderland.

Designers are being asked to submit plans to make the gardens a place for visitors and residents to enjoy concerts and art displays or spend time at pavement cafs close to the main city centre.

The winning design, chosen by a panel of six judges next year, will have to blend in with the listed buildings around the site and incorporate the 60ft trees in the area.

John Anderson, the vice-chairman of Sunniside Partnership, said: "With the new cinema opening and all of the new cafs and restaurants already in place, these gardens should be a magnet for businesses and visitors."

Funding has come from English Partnerships and TyneWear Partnership, supported by One NorthEast.

Work is expected to start in the summer and be completed by spring 2006.