PIRATES gathered at the weekend to try to seize Captain Cook's ship, Endeavour.

Gunfire, sword fights, costumes, and parrots were all part of the fun when members of the UK Pirate Brotherhood arrived in Stockton.

They spent three days on Captain Cook's replica ship, HM Bark Endeavour, on the Riverside, where they entertained youngsters and educated families on the pirates' way of life.

One, Captain Cutlass, said: "We tried to sneak in on Friday night to take over the ship, but we were discovered early on, so have had to provide some entertainment for the public.

"We have done three shows a day, bringing the ship back to life, and kids came on board to see what life was like back in the 17th Century.

"A few youngsters have been scared, but most have enjoyed it."

Gunner Israel Hands, otherwise known as Richard Rutherford-Moore, said pirate crews from as far away as Kent and Devon had been on board for the shows. He said: "Doing this is very infectious. We have had kids dressed up as soldiers, and we have had people sailing the ship.

"It has been a whole lot of fun and games."