FRIENDS of Newport Ship have visited the Basque country in Spain to strengthen their relationship with a local maritime heritage group.

The group went to visit the maritime heritage group Albaola, based near San Sebastian.

Albaola is currently building a full size replica of the San Juan, which was found on the sea bed in Red Bay, Newfoundland.

Built in 1563 by the Basques, the ship was 27m long and was preserved by the freezing waters of Red Bay.

Phil Cox, Friends of Newport ship chairman, said: "This project has so many similarities with our own Newport Medieval Ship.

"The San Juan project undertaken by Albaola is ground-breaking. In a town where there is no tourism, they have welcomed 50,000 visitors this year, generating a direct income of over 200,000 Euros.

"They have created 23 permanent jobs, some welcoming and guiding visitors, but the majority rediscovering skills lost for generations as they work with huge oak trees to create the components for the San Juan.

"The project is supported by both local and regional governments, and with a sizeable contribution from corporate sponsors.

"Is this a model for the future of the Newport Medieval Ship?

"It has been estimated by the Council’s consultants, that we might expect over 150,000 additional visitors each year to see the Newport Medieval Ship, potentially generating some £7million to the local economy."