£3.5 million pledged for Plymouth's Mayflower 400

The Mayflower forms an iconic link between Plymouth and the United States. Credit: ITV News Westcountry

Plymouth City Council has set aside £3.5 million to host the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower setting sail for America.

It was the voyage that paved the way for colonisation of the New World, as just over 100 Pilgrims set sail for the East coast of America in 1620 from Plymouth's Barbican.

September 2020 will mark 400 years since the start of the voyage.

With big celebrations planned to recognise the integral role Plymouth played in the foundation of modern America.

The money will go towards renovation around the Mayflower steps, and on the three Mayflower trials where tourists can navigate the routes the Pilgrims would have taken in the 17th Century during their brief stay docked in the city.

John Glen MP (centre left) from the Dept of Culture, Media and Sport joined Plymouth MPs Luke Pollaed (right) and Gary Streeter (left). Credit: ITV News Westcountry

John Glen, Minister for Arts, Heritage and Tourism from the Department for Digital, Culture, Media and Sport' visited the steps to show there is a national commitment to making the celebrations a success.

He was joined by the local Sutton and Devonport MP Luke Pollard.

More information on Mayflower 400 can be found here.

You can also view Nick Smith's report in full...