Cornish trees for replica of the Mayflower

Tregothnan Estate will be providing 350 oak trees for the hull of the ship

A Cornish estate is taking part in an international project to build a replica of the Pilgrim ship, the Mayflower.

Tregothnan Estate near Truro will be providing 350 oak trees for the hull of the vessel.

The replica is being built in its original home port of Harwich, Essex.

The new Mayflower ship will be floated in Essex during 2015 and will sail to America on her maiden voyage at the end of 2016.

'Historically important'

Jonathon Jones from Tregothnan said: "The Harwich team are coming down to hand pick the trees. There will be 20 lorry loads going out of Cornwall.

"It's a really exciting and fun project. It's historically important. I think this will be great for tourism for Cornwall. We're very proud to help with this project."

Andy March, from the Harwich Mayflower Project, said: "In constructing this vessel our aim is to provide multiple benefits to the local community."

In September 1620, the original Mayflower set sail from Plymouth.

The usual cargo was wine, but on this trip the ship carried more than 100 passengers hoping to start a new life on the other side of the Atlantic.

As well as recreating a working replica of the Pilgrim Fathers' vessel, the group hopes it will re-establish Harwich as a maritime centre.