THE fascination with a maritime tragedy that happened more than 90 years ago shows few signs of ending.

The latest flurry of interest will be in Chilworth today when thousands of pounds are expected to be paid out when rare items connected with Titanic come up for auction.

The auction will be one of a number of events held at the Hilton Hotel as part of the British Titanic Society's annual convention.

The star item up for auction is an embroidered hat ribbon given as a souvenir to a young passenger by his adoptive father.

The hatband was the only thing that eight-year-old Marshall Brines Drew was able to take with him as he was lowered into Lifeboat Ten. Marshall's adoptive father died but he and his mother survived.

The hatband was found after Marshall's death in 1986 aged 82.

Andrew Aldridge, of auctioneer Henry Aldridge and Son, which is conducting the auction, said: "Something this rare doesn't come on to the market often. We have valued it at around £25,000, but it could break all records."

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