TOWNS and villages throughout Cleveland are gearing up for some special anniversary celebrations.

The life and achievements of Captain James Cook will be marked in a full week of events starting today.

October 27 is the 272nd anniversary of Cook's birth in Marton. In a campaign to raise the profile of Cook among local people, the Captain Cook tourism association has co-ordinated a range of events aimed at telling the story of Cook's adventures and discoveries and of the places he saw during his explorations.

The celebrations will take in Great Ayton, Stokesley, Marske, Staithes, Whitby and Redcar.

Tourism chiefs now expect the celebrations to become an annual feature of the regional calendar.

"We want to mark our local hero's connections with the area as a reminder to all of us of what he achieved for his country and for the world," said tourism association spokesman Mr Dennis Weller.

With the help of association members and councils, visitors are being urged to sample a variety of Cook-related experiences such as historical re-enactments, workshops, lectures and music.

In Stokesley, even Captain Cook Ale will be on sale.

At the White Swan, landlord Mr Brian Skipp and his regulars will raise their glasses to the 18th century explorer, drinking an ale brewed in his honour.

Mr Skipp has his own micro-brewery.

The brewery, which only supplies the White Swan, was launched about the time of the Cook anniversary last year.

Middlesbrough's main event is in Stewart Park tomorrow when military re-enactment groups will recreate scenes from Cook's era. A commemorative drumhead service will be held in the park on Sunday.

The sound of sea shanties will pervade the area's shopping centre's throughout the weekend as part of a maritime festival, culminating in a special weekend on October 28-29 in Whitby.

Rural life in Cook's day will be brought to life at Ormesby Hall on Thursday and HM Bark Endeavour, the replica of Cook's famous ship at Stockton, is staging a day-long festival on Tuesday.

Great Ayton, where Cook was educated, has displays of calligraphy, a lecture, walks and a parade of sail on the River Leven on Wednesday.

An Australian family fun day is planned for the birthplace museum next Friday with Aboriginal culture and boomerang-making among the activities.

Details of the celebrations are available from the tourism association on 01287 635311