SPECIAL events are to be held to celebrate Captain Cook's birthday next week.

Middlesbrough's annual Captain Cook Festival runs until October 27 and marks Cook's birthday on that day as well as celebrating the area's nautical heritage.

The festival is known as one of the greatest gatherings of folk and maritime musicians, and so far a range of events have taken place.

On Saturday, a children's procession walked the streets of Middlesbrough town centre, and many musical events took place in the Captain Cook Square and Cleveland Shopping Centre.

Richard Grainger, music festival co-ordinator, said: "This year's festival has evolved once again and is particularly interesting because of its inclusion of a greater number of children's events and the involvement by artists from Canada, the Punjab, Africa, France and the US.

"It shows great promise for the future of the event."

The festival highlight is the birthday celebrations centred on the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in the town's Stewart Park, next Sunday, the 274th anniversary of Cook's birth.

From 10am to 3.30pm, activities at the park include face painting, swing boats and a miniature railway.

There will also be displays from organisations including the Historical Maritime Society, 500 Transport Group and the Royal National Lifeboat Institution.

During the day there will also be half-price admission to the museum.

Judith Croft, Middlesbrough Council's events and entertainments manager, said: "The festival brings together a wealth of activities that include historical interest, music, exhibitions and an art competition.

"It's fast becoming established as one of the leading autumn events in the local and regional calendar.

"We have had lots of interest from tour operators and that can only be good for boosting jobs and confidence for the future."