A GOVERNMENT agency is financing the first visit to Teesside of a replica ship used by the area's most famous son.

A full-sized sailing replica of HM Bark Endeavour, sailed by explorer Captain James Cook, drops anchor at Middlesbrough next month.

Councillor Peter Porley, chairman of Middlesbrough Council, said: "We're grateful for the major sponsorship of English Partnerships who are supporting the Endeavour's visit to the tune of £50,000. Without their support it's difficult to see how this visit could have happened.''

The ship will be berthed at Middlehaven from Friday, October 17 until Monday, November 3 and will be open to the public from October 18 until November 2, from 9am to 6pm.

Prince Andrew, the Duke of York will visit the ship on October 17.

Middlesbrough's old docklands - now renamed Middlehaven - has been earmarked for a flagship redevelopment in which English Partnerships is investing £18m.

Millions more are being pumped into the scheme by Tees Valley Regeneration, One NorthEast and Middlesbrough Council and an exhibition of the plans will be staged next to the ship.

Sean Regan, project director with the Tees Valley Regeneration project, said: "The Endeavour's visit is a real boost for Middlehaven and the ideal platform from which to inform local people of our exciting plans for the site.''

Last night it was announced that the Band of HM Royal Marines Scotland will give a concert at Middlesbrough Town Hall on November 2, to celebrate the 275th anniversary of Captain Cook's birthday.