THE mighty Grand Turk will be taking people on a trip through naval history when it returns to North-East waters next week.

The 22-cannon, three-masted fighting frigate will be arriving in Whitby, North Yorkshire, next Wednesday, for a two-week stay.

During its visit, the spectacular vessel will be open to the public, offering visitors the chance to see what life was like for the seafarers of old.

The Grand Turk starred in the hit TV series Hornblower and is currently on a tour of UK, French and Belgian ports, prior to featuring in Monsieur N, a film based on the life of Napoleon.

The vessel was launched in Turkey five years ago and is the first wooden British frigate to be built in more than 150 years, based on the 1750s HMS Blandford.

The fully-rigged vessel has a total sail area of 8,500sq ft, uses three miles of rope and goes to sea with a crew of 28. At the time of Nelson, such a ship would have had a crew of 125, not to mention livestock to provide fresh meat.

Ship's captain Ian Macdougal said yesterday: "The crew is really looking forward to returning to Whitby, more so because of the tremendously warm and friendly reception we received last year."

The Grand Turk is due in Whitby harbour at 7.30pm, and will be open to the public the following day. Opening times will be 10am to 6pm daily until June 14.

Admission is £4 for adults, £2 under-15s and £3 concessions,. Family tickets, for two adults and three children, are available for £10.