The anniversary of the sinking of Titanic is being marked by the Hampshire Chronicle with the publication of a new book about the tragedy.

Every Light Was Shining brings together for the first time the original news reports as they appeared in the Chronicle in 1912.

Editor, Alan Cleaver, said: "It's been 92 years since the disaster, but the news reports still make gripping reading. They range from the first sparse details, including rumours of Italians being shot trying to board the lifeboats, to the first-hand accounts from survivors."

Winchester's proximity to Southampton meant many families in the city were directly affected by the tragedy: either they knew passengers on board, or knew members of the crew.

The first news of the disaster was brought to the city by the Chronicle posting a telegram from Central News in the windows of its High Street office. The telegram read: "To Chronicle, Winchester. Titanic struck iceberg Cape Race. Wireless states vessel sinking. Passengers embarking lifeboats".

The following edition of the Chronicle reported that "crowds soon gathered to acquaint themselves of the mournful intelligence".

Every Light Was Shining includes many of the contemporary reports that appeared in this newspaper and concludes with a story that appeared in the paper in 1999 announcing that, for just £22,860, it was possible to take trip in a mini-sub to see the wreck of the Titanic.

Mr Cleaver said: "I'm sure those hearing the initial news of the sinking in 1912 would have been incredulous at the idea there would be 'holidays' to the wreck before the century was out."

Every Light Was Shining is available from the newspaper office at 57 High Street, Winchester, priced £3.75.