THE ambitious scheme to create a £10m tribute to one of Britain's greatest seafarers has won the backing of local councillors.

After weeks of deliberation, Whitby Town Council has now given its unanimous backing to the building of a heritage centre. Cook's World will celebrate the life and times of Captain James Cook and the intention is to base it on the site where one of his famous ships, Endeavour, was built.

The proposal now has to go before the planners at Scarborough Borough Council who are expected to reach a decision next month.

The site involved is alongside the Esk and the scheme includes the use of a former engine shed which is a listed building.

The team behind the proposal, the Captain James Cook (RN) Charity Trust, said yesterday: "We are extremely pleased that the town council have given their support to our scheme and that they recognise the benefits such a project will have for the town."

The project is expected to create about 80 permanent jobs for the area.

Jobs would come through training, apprenticeships and direct employment at the site; education; and through a major leisure and entertainment facility.