HMS Trincomalee the oldest warship afloat in Britain is to feature on a website to raise its profile as a major tourist attraction in the North-East.

The HMS Trincomalee Trust, with the design services of the Hartlepool Business Development Centre, has launched a website, www. hms-trincomalee.co.uk

Trust chairman Colonel Michael Stewart said: "We have been delighted with the assistance and advice we have received from the Business Development Centre, which through this impressive website will now enable people from far and wide to learn of HMS Trincomalee and encourage them to visit Hartlepool."

It was announced recently that the World Ship Trust had awarded its International Maritime Heritage Award to the Trincomalee trust for the restoration work on the ship.

The local trust's general manager, Bryn Hughes, said: "The marketing of the ship and raising general awareness of the maritime attraction of Hartlepool is now a main aim.

"This superb site, with its virtual tour and a host of attractively presented information and links, should go a long way to achieve this aim.

"It's an excellent example of using modern techniques to promote our living heritage."