The Mir is one of the largest sailing ships in the race

The vessels were docking at Hartlepool and Middlesbrough on Friday before the Tyneside leg of the Tall Ships Race.

Hartlepool Marina will play host to two vessels and up to 30 are expected at Middlehaven in Middlesbrough.

Entertainment and events were taking place at both ports before the fleet resumes its journey north.

The Tees Valley ports of Hartlepool and Middlehaven have been identified as "Cruise in Company" ports - eastern ports that are well equipped to offer hospitality and on shore facilities.

Organisers expect Hartlepool Marina to be even busier than it was last year, when 60,000 people attended the maritime festival.

The distincitve Alexander von Humbolt is visiting Hartlepool

Among the visiting ships is the Alexander von Humbolt, famous for her distinctive green sails, and two smaller craft, the Swan and the locally-built Black Diamond.

The Swan boasts a crew of musicians, who will be performing over the weekend.

Colin Reid, Hartlepool Council's acting cultural, heritage and grants officer said: "Both the Tourist Information Centre and Museum of Hartlepool have received unprecedented numbers of enquiries about the event, from right across the region and beyond.

"We already have visitors staying here for the weekend from as far away as Kent."

The two square-rigged ships visiting Middlehaven A are the Mircea from Romania, and the Mir from Russia, which is one of the largest vessels taking part in the Tall Ships Race.

David Budd, Middlesbrough Council's executive member for regeneration said: "It's excellent news that Middlesbrough is taking part in this showcase event for the north east."