LORD Nelson is among the latest additions to the “cast list” as a major international maritime festival returns to the region next year.

The Sail Training Ship (STS) named after the famous British vice-admiral, is one of the two latest vessels confirmed to be heading for the Port of Sunderland, to feature in the 2018 Tall Ships Race events.

It is one of the few UK class A sail training ships and one of two square-rigged three-masted barques owned by the Jubilee Sailing Trust.

STS Lord Nelson is specially-equipped to cater for disabled crew members, with features including a speaking compass, visual and tactile alarms to supplement emergency announcements, wheelchair accessible toilets and signage with associated diagrams in Braille.

All trainees are supported on its voyages by a regular eight or nine-strong team of highly trained permanent crew members

Nelson will be joined in Sunderland by the Training Ship Maybe, built as a cruise ship in the 1930s, and a ‘veteran’ of the first Tall Ships Race, in 1956.

It is making its return after its original gaff rig was restored as part of a major facelift, in 2012.

Both will be in and around the port as part of the sailing celebration in Sunderland, from Wednesday to Saturday, July 11 to 14, 2018.

Councillor John Kelly, who holds the culture brief on Sunderland City Council cabinet, described the announcement as "great news".

He added: “This year both ships will be sailing across the Atlantic to Quebec and back. We, of course, wish them well in their adventures and very much look forward to seeing them both here in Sunderland.”

Further information about The Tall Ships Races 2018 is available on Twitter @TallShipsSund, or on Facebook at TallShipsRacesSunderland.