A TOWN is putting the flags out to welcome home a replica of its most famous son's ship.

Forty-one banners will be raised in Middlesbrough town centre and along the approaches to where the replica of Captain James Cook's ship, HM bark Endeavour, will berth later this month.

The first flag was hoisted into place yesterday by assistant curator Ian Stubbs, dressed as the explorer.

Judith Croft, events and entertainments manager with Middlesbrough Council, said: "Interest in the visit is growing and the banners are there as a big reminder to local residents, visitors and people who work in the town that the ship will soon be here for her first ever visit to Middlesbrough.''

The replica ship will arrive at the Middlehaven dock on Friday, October 17.