Hartlepool is home to HMS Trincomalee

The HMS Trincomalee, which was built in 1817 is based at Hartlepool's Historic Quay. It is the oldest ship afloat in the UK, says the trust that runs it.

On Monday, a crane is being used to lift the remaining six yards - the cross-spars from which the sails were hung - into place.

The rigging team from the Cutty Sark at Greenwich, in London, will help to secure them to the masts.

HMS Trincomalee Trust general manager Bryn Hughes said: "The project has been going well and has captured the attention of the public.

"We now just have some finishing off work to do and then get the remaining yards in place, secured and rigged. The result will change the most visible skyline in Hartlepool."

For safety reasons, the quayside surrounding the ship will be closed during the operation.

The Museum of Hartlepool and the paddle steamer Wingfield Castle will stay open as usual.

HMS Trincomalee is the last of the commissioned frigates of the Nelson era and served in the West Indies and throughout the Pacific.