TWO major new attractions will be unveiled tomorrow at one of the region's top tourist sites.

The Maritime Adventure Centre (MAC) and Playship will be officially launched at Hartlepool Historic Quay, before opening to members of the public on Thursday.

The facilities, on the north quayside, have been designed to meet the requirements of the National Curriculum, especially at Key Stage Two.

The MAC offers a range of hands-on exhibits covering three main maritime themes - propulsion, navigation and life at sea.

The Playship is a large, fantasy wooden model of a sailing ship, which visitors will be able to clamber aboard and imagine life on the ocean wave.

The new attractions have cost £396,000, with £158,000 coming from the European Regional Development Fund and the balance from Hartlepool Borough Council.

Ian Whitehead, the council's museums officer, said: "I am delighted with the new attract-ions as they interpret sea-going life in a very active manner.

"It is particularly nice to be able to bring them to Hartlepool, which has such a rich maritime heritage.

"They will boost the town's growing reputation as a place to visit."