YOUNGSTERS are getting their boats ready for an annual Parade of Sail, next week, celebrating one of the greatest mariners who ever lived.

It will be the sixth such parade in the village and organisers are hoping for more entries than ever.

The pageant is one of many events to mark the 277th anniversary of Captain James Cook's birthday. It will see scores of home-made craft sail down the River Leven next week.

The event begins at Low Green, Great Ayton, on Wednesday, at 9.30am, with prizes for best boat as well as quickest time.

For information on the Parade of Sail, contact (01609) 767110. For more details on Captain Cook Country events, check out www.captain cook.org.uk

"We hope as many people as possible will come along to join in the fun - whether sailing a boat or simply cheering on the entrants."

For more information on the Parade of Sail contact (01609) 767110. For more details on Captain Cook Country events check out www.captaincook.org.uk.

It is just one of the events being staged to mark the 277th anniversary of Captain James Cook's birthday.

"This event has become a permanent fixture in the Captain Cook diary," said Hambleton District Council's tourism manager David Shields.