THE region celebrated its historic links with Captain James Cook yesterday - on the birthday of the legendary seafarer.

Civic leaders from across Teesside and North Yorkshire gathered at the Captain Cook statue, in Great Ayton, for a wreath-laying ceremony to commemorate the achievements of the great explorer.

Youngsters in the village also marked the 273rd anniversary of Cook's birth with a "parade of sail" along the River Leven.

Dozens of home-made vessels set sail from Great Ayton in the annual event, which was part of a week of celebrations in honour of Cook's life.

Historical re-enactments, workshops, lectures and maritime music displays are taking place along the North-East coast until Sunday.

Enthusiasts in Stockton, Middlesbrough, Marske, Staithes and Whitby are joining in the events, which have been coordinated by the Captain Cook Tourism Association.

Spokesman Dennis Weller said: "This has now become an annual celebration of our local hero's connections with the area and a reminder to us all of what he achieved for his country and the world."

Cook learned the seafaring trade in Whitby before setting sail for the unchartered waters of Australia on the famous vessel Endeavour, in 1768. He was killed in Hawaii in February, 1779, on his third great voyage of discovery.