AN annual harbour lifeboat fete has been brought forward to add to the excitement of next month's Tall Ships visit to the region.

Royal National Lifeboat Institution (RNLI) organisers have changed the date of their Hartlepool event to coincide with the ships' visit, on Saturday and Sunday, July 23 and 24.

They are working with Hartlepool Borough Council to provide spectacular entertainment for the crowds who flock to the town to catch a glimpse of the ships.

The action-packed RNLI programme will include a raft race, a birdman contest, a pontoon pull, the Shadoogie showband and the HMS Trincomalee Marines.

There will also be dancing displays by the Footlights Youth Theatre and the Debbie Barras Dance Academy, a raffle and stalls selling goods, including cakes and souvenirs.

Malcolm Cook, chairman of Hartlepool lifeboat station, said: "The weekend will be a real celebration of our maritime heritage and it is sure to be one that people of all ages will remember for years to come.

"The Tall Ships will receive a magnificent Hartlepool welcome."

The town's cinema is also joining in the fun by screening Pirates of the Caribbean, at 2pm on both days, and Master and Commander at 6pm.

Tickets for the Sunday evening screening are £2.50, with proceeds going to the RNLI.

The other three screenings will be at the cinema's normal price.

Claire Munroe, of Hartlepool Council's arts, museums and events service, said: "It is set to be a fabulous weekend for all the family.

"Working with the RNLI, we will be putting on a package of entertainment to rival that of any port on the east coast which is involved with the Tall Ships."

For more details about the Tall Ships weekend, call (01429) 869706.