THOUSANDS of tourists stepped back in time yesterday as they witnessed the spectacular arrival of a magnificent throwback to more elegant age.

Guns blazing, the impressive Grand Turk imperially made its way into Whitby harbour to a rapturous welcome from the waiting throng. A full size replica of an 18th Century British man-o'-war, the 152ft vessel is already known to millions for its starring role in the TV hit, Hornblower.

Over the next ten days it is expected to become familiar to thousands more as they are welcomed up the gangplank for a taste of Royal Navy life as it once was. The ship was actually built in Turkey four years ago and is based on a real ship from Nelson's time, the frigate Blandford.

However, to meet modern regulations, some of the equipment on board would be totally unfamiliar to the crews of those times.

Skipper Ian MacDougal, said: "We do have the benefit of some modern technology, but when sailing we really are going back more than 200 years."

Also on board was Whitby shipwright David Winspear, who has been working on the ship for the past nine months.

The Grand Turk will be open to the public every day from 10am to 6pm until June 25 inclusive.

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