WHITBY is pushing the boat out for a weekend of celebrations to mark the 250th anniversary of Captain Cook’s voyage of discovery.

The legendary Marton-born explorer learnt his trade as a seaman in Whitby and his famous vessel HM Bark Endeavour was built in the town.

And this weekend the town will pay homage to its famous son with three days of sea-themed fun starting on Friday.

Maritime adventurers can step back in time and climb aboard the Tall ship ‘Atyla’ and retrace Captain Cook’s voyages on board the replica HMS Endeavour.

They can also relive the Battle of Trafalgar on the replica warship topsail schooner, HMS Pickle.

The celebration are being led by Scarborough Borough Council’s Tourism team and its corporate marketing manager, Janet Deacon, said: “Captain Cook is an international icon, so we’ve planned a world-class festival in Whitby to welcome visitors from across the globe on July 6 to 8.

“Inspired by Cook and his voyages, the festival will showcase the very best of the Yorkshire Coast’s rich and vibrant culture - its food, music, art, maritime heritage. “It’s not just a celebration of a Yorkshire hero, but of the place that inspired his love of the sea and his sense of adventure, and we’re looking forward to sharing that with the world.”

Charles Forgan from the Captain Cook Memorial Museum added: “In celebrating this 250th anniversary, we are celebrating a Yorkshireman whose unrivalled skill, continued self-improvement, perseverance and quiet ambition are an example to all and to future generations.”

Among the highlights of the festival is the chance to board the recently-renovated Bark Endeavour Whitby.

During the festival it will be sailing from Whitby along the coast to nearby Sandsend.

Meanwhile, Endeavour Wharf will host a cooking theatre where local chefs will give an 18th century twist to modern cuisine using produce that would have been eaten onboard.

A new way to navigate and explore Whitby will be provided by the Cook ‘Tintamarresques Selfie’ tour, comprising of cut-out Cook characters across the town.

Additionally, throughout the weekend, visitors will be able to enjoy live music, street theatre and sea shanties alongside local ales and a grand finale firework spectacular.