Celebrations to mark the unveiling of replacement whalebones on Whitby's West Cliff began yesterday, and continue today.

Having been transported thousands of miles, the bones are now displayed in their full splendour to locals and visitors in North Yorkshire's former whaling port.

The 16ft, 350lb bones were a gift from the resident's of Whitby's twin town, Anchorage, in Alaska, and have replaced the decaying bones that have long been part of the town's famous landmark.

The impressive arch was yesterday given a warm welcome to the east coast from Inupiat dancer and current Miss Alaska, Peggy Willman, along with a group of Alaskan visitors.

During the dedication ceremony, speeches were made by Councillor Sheila Kettlewell, Mayor of Scarborough, and Councillor Dalton Peake, Mayor of Whitby. An official plaque was unveiled and the Right Reverend Robert Ladd, Bishop of Whitby, gave a blessing.

The celebrations continue today as Miss Alaska gives a talk on her homeland and dances for pupils at West Cliff Junior School. This afternoon, she will visit Caedmon and Eskdale schools.

Viewed from offshore, the whalebones form part of three striking landmarks for Whitby - the bones, the Abbey and the Captain Cook statue - and are an important part of the town's heritage.

Coun Kettlewell, said: "The new whalebones will keep alive Whitby's historic links with the whaling industry, which stretch back to the 18th Century. They will help ensure that future generations are constantly reminded of Whitby's maritime heritage and the town's great seafarers of the past."