THE arrival of the HM Bark Endeavour in the region will be marked with a royal visit.

It is the first time the replica ship has docked in legendary explorer Captain Cook's home town of Middlesbrough, and coincides with the 92nd anniversary of the Transporter Bridge.

Prince Andrew will visit the floating museum, which opens to the public for a fortnight, on his whistle-stop tour of the town.

As well as visiting the ship he will be opening a new cargo terminal at Teesport and officially opening The James Cook University Hospital and the spinal cord injuries centre.

To commemorate the Transporter Bridge anniversary, the Endeavour will sail up the River Tees and underneath the landmark.

Today marks the start of two weeks of celebrations as the event ties in with 150th anniversary of Middlesbrough Council, which has decorated the streets with banners and organised a number of events.

This week, an archaeological dig began at The James Cook Birthplace Museum, in Stewart Park, where volunteers have been looking for remnants of the explorer's home, in the village of East Marton.

A fun day has been organised at the park for Sunday, October 26, the day before the 275th anniversary of Cook's birth, with activities for all the family.

Also that day, a service of thanksgiving for his life will be held at St Cuthbert's Church, in Marton. That evening a gala proms concert will be in Middlesbrough Town Hall.

On November 2, The Band of the Royal Marines will Beat the Retreat on the Boulevard in the town centre, before their concert that evening, as a farewell tribute to the Endeavour, which leaves the following day.