THE revival of Whitby's shipbuilding industry took another big step forward at the weekend with the launch of one of the biggest fishing trawlers.

The 61ft twin-rig trawler Reliant is the fourth fishing vessel to be built by Parkol Marine Engineering in three years, at their harbourside yard - close to the spot where Captain James Cook's ships, Endeavour, Resolution and Adventure were built nearly three centuries ago.

The 140-tonne Reliant was lifted into the upper harbour by a 1000 tonne crane. Onlookers included its owner, Karl Phimister of Buckie, and his family.

Esther Oliver, the company secretary, said its construction had involved 20 craftsmen, including sub-contractors.

It is 30 years since Whitby has seen a large boat built, prior to Parkol going into the shipbuilding business three years ago.

However, the state of the fishing industry is deterring other skippers from buying new boats, said Mrs Oliver.

But Parkol is now starting work on building hulls for a trawler, for a South Shields company, and Scarborough's two pleasure boats.

The Reliant follows the building of two Whitby trawlers, Rebecca and Our Lass.