A BID to have Whitby designated a world heritage site is being made to Unesco.

The move, headed by the Bishop of Whitby, the Rt Rev Robert Ladds, the town's MP, Lawrie Quinn, and local historian Ros Barker, will give the historic port - made famous as the place where Captain James Cook's ships were built and from where he sailed on his voyages of discovery - a massive boost to its economy and reinforce its place on the international map.

Mrs Barker said: "An attempt was made some years ago to make the abbey and headland a world heritage site." said Mrs Barker. "But this time we are widening our bid to cover the entire town, because it deserves the recognition."

The abbey, she said, had been responsible for Whitby's foundation and development.

"If we can achieve the status, it will be a wonderful thing because we shall doubtless see more pilgrims and tourists coming to Whitby and it will be a wonderful morale boost for the residents."

Whitby had a wealth of historic assets, added Mrs Barker - the abbey, the unique parish church of St Mary's, its quaint yards, extensive architectural gems in its old buildings, cobbled streets, the jet industry and its contribution to early Christianity through St Hilda and the Synod of Whitby in 664, when the system for the fixing the date of Easter was agreed.

"Whitby has a massive cultural, literary and Christian heritage," said Mrs Barker.

Among the famous names linked with the town are authors Bram Stoker, Lewis Carroll and Daphne Du Maurier.