Captains from over 100 vessels will receive an official welcome to the region by the Lord Mayor of Newcastle next week.

Councillor David Slesenger will host a Captains' Dinner at the Banqueting Hall at the Civic Centre on Monday, 25 July to welcome the arrival of the Tall Ships' Races.

He will be joined by the Mayor of Gateshead, Councillor Joe Mitchinson, to greet the crews who have returned to the Tyne since it last hosted the race in 1993.

Other guests at the dinner include Tony Glenton, Chairman of the Port of Tyne Authority, and the Lord Lieutenant of Tyne and Wear, Nigel Sherlock.

The Tall Ships' Races will remain on the River Tyne until Thursday, July 28 when the ships will leave for Fredrikstad in Norway.

Councillor Slesenger said:  "We hope all the captains and their crews enjoy their time in the region and I would like to wish them well when this exciting race begins."