A multi-lingual website is launched today to help sell Whitby as an international tourist destination.

Euro-MP, Edward McMi-llan-Scott will lead a switching-on ceremony at Sneaton Castle, with help from local teenage motor-racer Edwin Jowsey, and a team of sky-divers, who will land in the grounds.

It is hoped the online resource will expand, adding an additional language every year.

"I am delighted to support this project, which focuses on one of the most beautiful and historic corners of England, with a vibrant maritime presence and international outlook," said Mr McMillan-Scott.

Although virtual tours of the port are already possible, the new website - which can be read in French and German, as well as English - is the first to focus solely on the Whitby area and its attractions.

"The web offerings which already exist read too much like electronic directories,'' said creator Andrew Steel. "The destinationwhitby.com site is visually clean and feature-rich. The multi-lingual nature of the site allows foreigners to instantly view essential tourism information in their own tongue.

"With so many destinations vying to promote their benefits over rival resorts, we want to differentiate Whitby and district from all our competitors whether they are regional, national or European."

The scheme already has the support of Scarborough Borough Council, the Yorkshire Tourist Board and North Yorkshire Moors National Park Authority, which will also be represented at today's launch.