JIMMY Tarbuck and Paul Daniels have been drafted on to troubled cruise ship Aurora in efforts to keep passengers amused as they face their third day in Southampton docks.

More than 1,700 passengers were due to embark on a 103-day cruise of a lifetime to idyllic destinations like Madeira and San Francisco last Sunday.

Due to a mechanical fault the ship has not travelled further than the Solent and was directed back to Southampton docks on Wednesday for repairs.

Passengers have been provided with a shuttle bus service to Southampton city centre and coach tours to some of the south's historical sights.

Evening entertainment during the weekend will now include performances by Liverpudlian comedian Jimmy Tarbuck and magician Paul Daniels with wife Debbie McGee.

A P&O spokesman yesterday said repairs and sea tests would keep the ship in Southampton until Tuesday at the earliest.

She said: "The schedule of repairs is going to plan. It is still estimated that it will take until Sunday to undertake the repairs. The anticipated earliest departure date is still the 18th.

"The mood on board is positive and upbeat. The entertainment has been enhanced to include Jimmy Tarbuck, Paul Daniels and Debbie McGee.

"We are trying to enhance what we have got for passengers. We are offering tours to London and areas of historical interest like Winchester, Portsmouth and Beaulieu house and motor museum."

Southampton City Council yesterday announced it would offer every Aurora passenger a free 18-hole round of golf at its club on Golf Course Road. For bookings call 023 8076 0546.