Sitting outside a pub in Shotley looking over to the cruise ships slipping in or out of Harwich harbour is one of those quiet pleasures many have missed due to the pandemic.

However, there is good news for those who like nothing more than to enjoy a drink or meal at the Bristol Arms or the Shipwreck while wondering about these giant ships coming and going from all over the world.

Four tour operators have told tourism bosses in Harwich they plan to return to the town to belatedly commemorate the Mayflower anniversary, which was delayed due to coronavirus restrictions last year.

Thousands of visitors are expected to converge on the town, which will have a positive spin off for the Shotley peninsula as the festivities, postponed from 2020, take place later this year.

A new visitor centre has been completed at Esplanade Hall. while Mayflower captain Christopher Jones' house is among the buildings fitted out as added attractions, and are due to open in the spring, depending on Covid-19 restrictions. A colourful mural telling the story of Mayflower's historic journey to America is part of a kilometre-long visitor trail, which opened in September to coincide with the 400th anniversary.

Tendring councillor Alex Porter has confirmed four new tour operators from America have already visited the town and intend to include Harwich on their itinerary this year,

Cllr Porter, who is responsible for leisure and tourism, said in a statement: "We hoped last year would be a significant one for tourism in the district and we have been working with worldwide partners to commemorate the Mayflower 400 and the links Harwich has with this iconic story.

"2020 was looked upon as the foundation for new tourism markets being opened up in Tendring and I'm pleased to say all of the travel organisations we have been talking to have expressed a desire to continue with tours as soon as they are able to.

"A further four US tour operators carried out familiarisation tours of Harwich towards the end of 2020 with a view to releasing new tour packages this year, which is really encouraging.

"We are in the position to open the house of Christopher Jones and the visitor centre at Esplanade Hall as soon as restrictions are lifted – and the Mayflower Trail is already in place.

"We are very excited to welcome guests to these attractions to use the modern technology and to tell the story, which will appeal to all age groups.

"I'm confident that the work that has been carried out will be of huge benefit to our local tourism economy for many years to come."

The Shotley to Harwich and Felixstowe foot ferry is making good progress following repairs following a mishap last year when it became submerged during a storm, and that will add to visitor numbers coming the the area.