THE most famous ill-fated ship in history, the Titanic, is to be the subject of a major new exhibition at the Maritime Museum in Falmouth next year and the search is on to find local people with a personal connection.

Although the exhibition won't be unveiled until next March, the museum is appealing now for people with their own stories to tell to come forward.

Jenny Wittamore, assistant curator at the museum, said: "It's incredibly exciting to be able to bring this major new exhibition to the museum and really important to us that we extend the existing display to include local connections to this epic moment in history.

"If anyone has a connection with the Titanic, we would welcome hearing from you and sharing your story as part of the new exhibition.

"Cornwall has a number of families who have some link to this great ship and it would be wonderful to be their voice and tell their story."

Titanic Honour and Glory is to be an evocative show which depicts the tragedy of the "unsinkable" ship which sank on April 15, 1912 after hitting an iceberg.

The exhibition is dedicated to preserving the legacy of the White Star Line and its fleet of ships, which included the Olympic and Britannic as well as the Titanic.

On show will be many rare artefacts from Titanic's passengers and crew, including a silver pocket watch that stopped working at 02.28am – the exact time the ship slipped beneath the waves.

Other artifacts include a Steiff teddy bear, ironically a good luck charm which belonged to William Moyes, the ship's senior engineer who struggled with many others to keep the ship afloat as long as they could.

An 18-carat Hunter pocket watch, a silver sugar dish, floor tiles, a baggage label and a solid silver cup presented to the Titanic's captain, Edward John Smith in recognition of his 25 years' service to the White Star Line, are other items to be displayed.

In addition to the real thing, a touch of Hollywood will also be transported to Falmouth in the guise of a number of props and costumes from Titanic, the movie.

Kate Winslet's dress and Leonardo DiCaprio's costume will be on show and visitors will be able to win a chance to wear the Heart of the Ocean necklace.

The exhibition will run from March 6 until June 21 and anyone who would like to contribute should call Jenny on 01326 214538 or e-mail her at jennywittamore@nmmc.co.uk.