THE story of 18th Century explorer Captain James Cook was brought to life for hundreds of North-East children yesterday.
Resplendent in full uniform, tricorn hat, knee breeches and stockings, the great explorer, alias assistant museums curator Ian Stubbs, was rowed up the River Tees in a genuine Hawaiian canoe.
The canoe which has graced the entrance to the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum, in Middlesbrough's Stewart Park, for many years, was only recently given a complete overhaul.
It was originally donated to Middlesbrough by the people of Hawaii.
Mr Stubbs was rowed to the replica of Cook's ship, the bark HMS Endeavour, which is moored at the Castlegate Quay, Stockton.
Once there, he was received by Councillors Pete Andrew and Kath Bevington, the respective mayors of Stockton and Middlesbrough.
Mr Stubbs' mission was to hand out certificates of attendance to 300 children who are taking part in Middlesbrough Borough Council's 40 summer playschemes.
As one of the activities on offer, the youngsters went bellboating, which is a form of canoeing, on the river, yesterday
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