A £10m heritage centre dedicated to the memory of one of the country's best-known explorers has been given the go-ahead.

Scarborough Borough Council's planning committee yesterday granted planning permission for the development of Cook's World, at Whitby, North Yorkshire.

The heritage centre will be on the site where Captain James Cook's ship, Endeavour, was built on Whitby harbour.

Cook was born in Middlesbrough, raised in Great Ayton, North Yorkshire, and trained as an apprentice in Whitby, which has become known around the world for its connections with the explorer.

The project, which could bring a jobs boost to the area, plans to use a former engine shed, which is a grade ll listed building.

Trustees of the James Cook Trust, which is behind the proposal for the centre, said benefits for the community would include increased employment, education, training, apprenticeships and leisure facilities, as well as an entertainment centre for the North-East and North Yorkshire.

It is thought that the centre, which will include an interactive visitors' centre and traditional boat-building workshops, could create about 80 jobs.

Trustees believe that the centre could attract up to 200,000 people a year.

John Halton, one of the trustees and a Whitby businessman, said he was absolutely delighted by the planners' decision.

"Captain Cook is recognised throughout the world for his achievements, but not the extent that he deserves within Whitby town, where all his significant voyages began.

"I believe a tribute based on the historic site is the perfect answer for the town to capitalise on its association with Captain Cook," said Mr Halton.

The application was deferred several months ago as the authority wanted more information on the impact on the town of increased traffic.

A study has since shown that there will be no adverse impact on traffic in the tourism hotspot.

Whitby Town Council and other organisations had voiced concern that there could be Captain Cook overkill in the town.