Passionate townsfolk are being sought to become ambassadors to Dartmouth’s Mayflower story.

Next year, the town will celebrate the 400th anniversary of the Mayflower, the first ship to transport English Separatists, or Pilgrims, from Plymouth to the New World in 1620.

The voyage has become an iconic story in some of the earliest annals of American history, with its tale of death and survival in the harsh New England winter.

The voyage culminated in the signing of the Mayflower Compact, which established a rudimentary form of democracy with each member contributing to the welfare of the community.

Dartmouth Mayflower 400 is planning a host of events and projects to celebrate the town’s part in the historic milestone in America’s history and is looking for ambassadors to spread the word.

Members are holding a series of sessions for the ambassadors, kicking off with the first one at Royal Castle Hotel’s Apollo Room at 1.30pm on Saturday. (june 29)

A Mayflower 400 spokesman said: “The ambassador’s will spread the knowledge of Dartmouth’s Mayflower story in the town and community.

“In 2019 and 2020 they will then have the option of being able to assist our visitors and provide on the ground volunteering at the variety of events that are planned.

“They will have conversations in the local community about Mayflower 400’s history, cultural projects and landmarks within the town.”

Dartmouth is one of 11 towns taking part in national celebrations to mark the 400th anniversary of the sailing of the Mayflower from Plymouth UK to Plymouth Massachusetts.

Events across the UK will commemorate the legacy of the passengers and crew who undertook the daring journey, and highlight their stories and heritage which are embedded in communities across the UK, US and the Netherlands.

Events in Dartmouth will include a Son et Lumiere at Britannia Royal Naval College, a river pageant with a replica Mayflower ship, visiting war ships and tall ships and the launch of Dartmouth’s Heritage Trail.

The first ambassador session with give would-be ambassadors a flavour of what Dartmouth is offering and the chance to learn more about the Mayflower story.

The Mayflower 400 spokesman added: “We envisage that the Mayflower 400 commemoration in 2020 will raise Dartmouth’s profile as a fascinating place to visit, encourage national and international visitors, and stimulate the local economy – leaving a legacy that will be beneficial to the town for years to come.”

Mayflower ambassadors will be expected to share the Mayflower story, promote Dartmouth’s Mayflower events calendar, signpost people to the events and encourage people to talk about the Mayflower story at work, in pubs and supermarkets.

Dartmouth Mayflower 400 is staging several ambassador sessions for people unable to make Saturday’s session.

These will be held at the Dart Marina restaurant at 12.30pm on Tuesday July 9, The Flavel Studio at 5.30pm on Tuesday July 23, and The Guildhall’s Clifton Room at 10am on Wednesday August 7.