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Sunderland has been announced as a host of the 2018 Tall Ships Race.

The event, which previously drew large crowds in Hartlepool and Tyneside, attracts hundreds of sailing ships from around the world.

It is being held in Belfast next year, with Sunderland hosting the next gathering.

Sunderland City Council leader, Paul Watson, said it was "fantastic" news for a city which was once the "home of shipbuilding".

A bid to host the event was submitted by the Music, Arts and Culture Trust in Sunderland in August.

The trust said the race could mean a massive boost to the city's economy, as well as being a reminder of Wearside's maritime heritage.

Mr Watson said: "This success reflects the enthusiastic response from partners, organisations and individuals across the whole region who supported our bid."

The council said some of the proposed berthing areas would be where sailing ships such as the Adelaide and Torrens were built.

The Tall Ships Race sees vessels from across the globe visit different areas in Europe, from the Baltic to the Mediterranean, over four days.