A NORTH YORKSHIRE seaside town was gearing up for a visit from the Duke of Edinburgh today.

The Duke, who is the honorary president of the HM Bark Endeavour Foundation, will greet the replica of Captain James Cook's ship Endeavour as it docks in the harbour at Whitby.

Prince Phillip will also meet the 12-strong crew of the Endeavour, which is operated by the youth charity Ocean Youth Trust, who are Duke of Edinburgh's Award candidates. He will then attend a reception at Whitby's Captain Cook Memorial Museum, and then be given a tour of Endeavour, when he will have the opportunity of observing the 18th century lifestyle of Captain Cook and his crew. The vessel will berth at Endeavour Wharf and will remain in Whitby until Monday.

Endeavour will be open to the public from tomorrow until Sunday inclusive from 9am, with last admission at 6pm.

Updated: 10:46 Wednesday, March 31, 2004