THE hugely popular replica of Captain Cook's ship, Endeavour, will return to the region next year, it was confirmed yesterday.

The visit - the fourth to Whitby since 1997 - will be in mid-May. The vessel will stay for a month and again be open to the public.

The announcement came only days after the vessel pulled up anchor and departed after its third visit to the port.

Figures just released show that the Endeavour attracted 36,677 visitors during its 45-day stay.

During the first ten days, which included a bank holiday, the vessel received 1,200 visitors a day on average.

Scarborough Borough Council's local cabinet member for tourism and leisure, David Jeffels, said: "It is wonderful to have it confirmed that Endeavour will be back in Whitby early next summer.

"The ship proved an immensely popular attraction this year, not only to the many thousands of people who went on board, but also to those who enjoyed seeing the ship moored in Whitby.

"I am sure it brought a lot of people and a lot of business to Whitby and it will have served to improve the town's reputation as one of our jewels on the Yorkshire coast."

Next year, the Endeavour will arrive in Whitby on May 13 and be open to the public until June 13, leaving the town the following day.

A programme of events to coincide with next year's visit is already being drawn up.