A "floating museum" is set to visit Southend Pier next month - with residents able to climb aboard.

As it celebrates the National Piers Society "Year of the Pier", Southend will welcome the Spanish tall ship El Galeon for five days in May.

The El Galeon is visiting Southend Pier from Wednesday May 24 to Monday May 29, and will be offering an "open ship" from 10.30am to 7pm.

The replica ship's six decks offer fascinating features, exhibits, and displays, with an incredible 3,400 square foot of deck space open to visitors.

A Southend Pier and Railway spokesman said: "Don't miss the chance to visit this impressive floating museum. Tickets can be purchased onboard the ship."

"El Galeon is a fascinating vessel – whilst visually an accurate replica, she was constructed using a new technique and traditional craft skills," they added.

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"The result is a fascinating floating ‘living museum’, displaying the history of such craft and the age in which they operated, supported by informative staff in the costumes of the period.

Adults will pay £10 to visit the El Galeon while children aged five to 12 get entry for £5.

Families of two adults and three children can get a £25 family ticket.

These prices are in addition to the usual pier admission charges.