PLANS for a two-year festival based on a port's history have been unveiled.

Consultancy group Streets of History, of Whitby, North Yorkshire, announced the scheme for the Festival of St Hilda, to be held next year and 2004, which would be among the biggest events of their kind staged in the North.

The festival will use the resources of historical re-enactment societies from across the country, and local theatrical and musical associations.

Costumed events proposed for the festival include a jousting tournament, medieval fair, a symphony of fire and a choral festival.

It is also hoped to revive the Whitby Pageant, last performed in 1964, recounting the story of St Hilda, her role in the early church and the founding of Whitby Abbey.

Festival director John Ivison said: "The series of events will reproduce the history of Whitby and the surrounding area in a way that is relevant to the town and the neighbouring communities today.

"We must recognise that the history of the Whitby churches and the values upon which the community grew and flourished are as important today as ever and must be preserved if we are to grow in the future.

"People come here to experience Whitby's history and we simply want to enhance that experience through living history in a way that will make the town their future destination of choice."