Hartlepool's Maritime Experience hosted a Meet the Georgians event to mark the opening of a new HMS Trincomalee exhibition and a viewing gallery overlooking the ship.

The historic quayside is a reconstruction of a Georgian seaport and tourism bosses lined up a string of activities at the weekend.

Visitors enjoyed a production of Stand and Deliver, a tussle between good and bad highwaymen, at the Museum of Hartlepool and Swash and Buckle, which was a display of comedy, improvisation and sword fighting.

Visitors also got the chance to experience real-life tales of voyages on board the Trincomalee and there was music, storytelling and children's workshops.

The 68th Durham Light Infantry were also on hand to carry out military re-enactments along with other costumed groups.

The newly refurbished Museum of Hartlepool also has a section devoted to the Georgian period, its innovations in craft and design, and the changes in Hartlepool.

A living statue of Lord Horatio Nelson could also be seen walking around the Maritime Avenue site.

He was there to celebrate the 250th anniversary of the birth of Nelson, who was born on September 29, 1758.

Hartlepool's Maritime Experience is open daily between 10am and 5pm.

Tickets cost £7.75 for adults, £5.75 for over 60's and £4.75 for children.

Entry to the Museum of Hartlepool is free.

For more information call (01429) 860077.