Tall ships, fireworks and music were all part of a day to remember Merseyside's place in the history of the Mormon Church.

An eight feet high statue was unveiled to mark the 85,000 people who passed through the port from 1851 heading for a new life in America.

Converts to the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter Day Saints flocked to America from Liverpool in the 19th Century, after chuch founder Joseph Smith called on them to create a new society in Utah.

Bronze gift

Two tall ships, the Sorlandet and the Mir, arrived in the city carrying descendents of those who made the original journey.

Norwegian vessel Sorlandet berthed at Liverpool's Albert Dock, and Russian square rigger Mir docked at the Pier Head.

The visits were part of the international Seatrek 2001 Festival to mark the 150th anniversary of the mass migration, with events in the UK and USA until October.

The bronze statue, weighing a ton, was unveiled at a private reception at the Museum of Liverpool Life.

The sculpture features a family group with a child stepping forward to symbolise the migration.

The work was made by Mark DeGraffenried at a studio 4,000 miles away in Utah, and donated by the Mormon Church.