A FULL-SCALE replica of one of the world's most famous ships will be hoisted into the air today as part of a move to transport the vessel from Stockton to Whitby.

HM Bark Endeavour is one of only two life-size replicas in the world of the ship commanded by explorer Captain James Cook for his first voyage to Australia and New Zealand.

Owner Andrew Fiddler is bringing it back to the coastal town which is also where the original Endeavour was built in 1764.

However the Tees Barrage and the narrowness of the lock gates need to be negotiated before it can continue its onward voyage.

The move was supposed to take place yesterday, but strong winds delayed it until today.

As the Endeavour’s hull is three metres wider at the broadest part than the six-metre width of the lock gates, a team, led by ALE and working in partnership with the Barrage owners, the Canal & River Trust, have fitted lifting equipment and heavy straps under the hull of the ship to lift it over the gates.

From there, the Endeavour will be towed downstream to A&P Tees for a six-week refit and refurbishment programme including essential repairs to make it seaworthy.

Once the Endeavour has been transformed into a visitor attraction, the vessel will begin the final leg of the journey, a 40-mile tow by pilot boat following the North York Moors National Park coastline southwards to Whitby.

The Endeavour is scheduled to re-open as a visitor attraction in the summer.

Mr Fiddler said: "It has taken a huge amount of preparation and overcoming logistical challenges to get here, therefore I’m delighted we are now at the point where the journey can begin and we can move closer to seeing visitors enjoying the on-board experience and discovering more about life on an 18th century ship.

“In her current state the Endeavour is dilapidated and very much in need of essential structural repairs as well as the authentic restoration of certain features which is the next stage in her journey back to full glory.”