Local people are being urged to help Glusburn Institute to get a free makeover.

Winners of an online competition will have their building revamped by top British designers Sir Terence Conran and Tara Bernerd. The institute is among 165 community spaces entered in the competition, run by website mydeco.com and the Times newspaper.

The winner will be the one which receives the most votes from the general public through the website.

On it, the institute is described as a grand Victorian community centre with a former swimming pool, theatre, reading and technical rooms.

The entry reads: “It used to shine with polish and echo with song, but is now longing for a bit of love and reinvention.

“Glusburn Institute has been at the heart of the local community since it was built by the local mill owner over 100 years ago.

“It is now used by over 20 groups and organisations and holds music, theatre and dance events, and is run by a number of volunteers.

“They greatly need support in continuing to refurbish the space. An exciting makeover could transform this venue into a glorious performance and community space.”

The nomination had last week received goodwill messages from supporters.

One said the institute “throbs with excitement” and even in its current dilapidated state was infused by real community spirit.

Another said: “The institute just manages to keep its head above water, but there are no funds available to restore this magnificent building to its former glory.”

And another said the “grand old lady” was starved of funds, and that there was still life in the place.

People can register their vote by logging onto mydeco.com/ competitions.