RARE expedition maps drawn by Captain Cook could be on their way to the region after 200 years in storage.

Among the collection, sketched by Cook and his first officer, William Bligh, were the first comprehensive maps of New Zealand and the coastline of Antarctica.

They have recently been donated to the National Archives by the Navy's UK Hydrographical Office, where they have been stored for more than 200 years.

The collection of original maps and documents will form the centrepiece of a Naval exhibition called Captains, Pirates and Castaways.

Middlesbrough South and East Cleveland MP Ashok Kumar is calling for the maps to be displayed at the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Marton, Middlesbrough.

Labour MP Dr Kumar said: "It is great that these national treasures can now be seen by the general public.

"I am sure those going to the Kew exhibition will be thrilled to see the first ever maps made of Australia, New Zealand and Antarctica.

"However, I hope that after this exhibition closes, consideration will be given to loaning them to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, so that local people can see these exciting artefacts for themselves.

"I am proud that Captain Cook was born in Marton and I think it is only right that we should be allowed to appreciate the work and skill of our most famous son."

Dr Kumar has written to Sarah Tyacke, chief executive of the National Archives.

Nigel Taylor, development manager at the National Archives, said: "Once the exhibition is finished, we would gladly take any requests for loan of these documents.

"We are extremely excited about these maps and hope the public will appreciate their importance."

The exhibition coincides with the 200th anniversary celebrations of the Battle of Trafalgar and runs until November 19.

Other items on show include log books drawn up by Nelson, video depictions and artefacts, such as swords, on loan from the Maritime Museum.

Admission to the National Archives, in Richmond, Surrey, is free and is open to the public Monday to Saturday.