YOUNG people will be given the opportunity to get a taste for life on the high seas this week.

The Ocean Youth Trust brought 70ft vessel the James Cook to Hartlepool Marina and is offering free taster sessions aboard the ship.

The sessions, which began today and will run until Friday, last an hour and are available from 10am to 7pm.

They will give people the chance to find out more about the work the trust does with young people and what to expect from a voyage aboard the James Cook.

Groups will be given a tour of the vessel, receive advice on how to fund a voyage and learn about the positive outcomes that its sail training programmes can have on youngsters.

Yesterday Hartlepool mayor Stuart Drummond visited the 'James Cook' to help launch the taster sessions.

Steve Lennon, General Manager at Ocean Youth Trust NE, said: "We're delighted to have been invited to Hartlepool.

"Its an area we know well and always enjoy visiting.

"Were hoping that, through our three day stay and the free taster sessions, we can continue to develop strong relationships with the regions community organisations to really help support the young people living in Hartlepool.

"We want to get people enthused about sail training and excited about the forthcoming Tall Ships Race as well be looking for crew to take part in this once in a lifetime event.

"The Tall Ships Race presents a huge opportunity for the regions people and economy as a whole and we see Hartlepool as an important development area for OYT NE."

To book a place on a taster session contact the shore based team on 0191-2571212.