PLANS to build a major tourist attraction celebrating the life of Captain Cook have moved a step closer to becoming reality.

The Captain James Cook RN (Charity Trust) has submitted a formal planning application to build Captain Cook's World in the heart of Whitby.

The proposed heritage centre will celebrate the exploits of the world-famous explorer, his scientist, officers and crew by allowing visitors to step back in time to see the world that Cook discovered.

It will feature a traditional boat-building workshop, an arts centre and satellite communication and navigation systems.

The centre will be situated on a 1-acre site where Cook's ship, The Endeavour, was thought to be built, on Fishburn quay in Whitby Harbour.

The trust has completed its updated business plan and the detailed application has gone before Whitby Town Council. It will go before Scarborough Borough Council planning committee in the next couple of months.

If permission is granted, the trust will appoint a design team, property management team and construction company and the centre could be open by Easter 2007.

Surveys conducted found that it could attract 200,000 visitors a year.

Trustees will hold meetings with banks and businesses over the next few weeks to try to confirm funding and discuss progress with the project.

John Halton, trustee of the James Cook Trust, said: "The support for Captain Cook's World has been immense with backing from as far afield as New Zealand and Alaska, as well as local businesses and many residents. It will bring wealth, employment and education to Whitby."