THOUSANDS of people are expected to visit a replica of Captain Cook's ship as part of celebrations to commemorate the 275th anniversary of his birth.

HMS Bark Endeavour will be sailing under the Middlebrough Teesside Transporter Bridge on October 17 - the landmark's 92nd anniversary.

Visitors from all over the country are expected to visit Middlehaven and other parts of Middlesbrough, for more than two weeks of events paying tribute to the town's most famous son, born in the village of East Marton, on October 27, 1728.

Events manager for Middlesbrough Council Judith Croft said: "The Captain Cook celebrations are fast becoming one of the leading tourist attractions in the North-East and Yorkshire region."

The Endeavour will be open to the public daily from October 18 until November 2, offering an insight into what life was like aboard the 18th Century explorer's craft.

Members of the public are being asked to help by acting as guides and explaining the history of Cook and the Endeavour to tourists.

Middlesbrough Council, which is celebrating its 150th anniversary this year, is also looking for volunteers to spend nights keeping watch on the ship, carrying out duties and sleeping in hammocks.

For details, call Phil Philo, senior curator of the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, on (01642) 311211.

Mr Philo would like to hear from anyone wanting to raise money for charity by taking part in a sponsored climb 50ft up the ship's rigging on October 25.

As well the Endeavour visit, excavations at Cook's birthplace are continuing, while shows at Middlesbrough Theatre are to complement a concert and service in the town.