GUNFIRE was exchanged by pretend warriors in re-enactments that would have stirred North-East explorer Captain Cook.

The mock battles were staged throughout the weekend at Middlesbrough's Stewart Park, on Teesside, as part of this year's festival to commemorate the life and times of the mariner.

As well as famous battles, other aspects of life from his era, almost 300 years ago, were reflected in displays and exhibitions across the town.

Since it began in Whitby five years ago, the Captain Cook Festival has grown to become one of the country's biggest maritime events.

This year, it expanded to cover Marske and Staithes for the first time, in addition to its traditional venues of Middlesbrough and Whitby.

The range of events taking place over the weekend included maritime music, a display on the HMS Bark Endeavour, an Australian family fun day, and a host of games, lectures and concerts.

All the events aimed to raise the profile of the area's most famous son among local people and tourists