IT WAS a tragedy of epic proportions that shook communities across the globe.

Ninety-four years ago, the ill-fated Southampton liner Titanic slipped beneath the waves of the north Atlantic after striking an iceberg with the loss of more than 1,500 lives.

The tragedy devastated Southampton, which lost 550 people in the disaster.

However, other towns and cities across the world - including New York, where the great liner was bound for in April 1912, and Belfast, where the luxury ship was built, were badly affected by the tragedy.

In a cemetery in the Canadian town of Halifax in Nova Scotia, around 150 victims of the Titanic disaster are buried. Their bodies were recovered from the freezing waters of the north Atlantic days after the sinking.

Now, leisure chiefs in Southampton are planning to cement the relationship between the two cities by signing an official "twinning" accord with the Canadians.

The Mayor of Southampton, Councillor John Slade, is set to visit Halifax in March next year as part of the 95th anniversary commemorations of the disaster.

He will be at the head of a delegation in April next year, which will visit the cemetery where the victims of the disaster are buried.

During his visit, Cllr Slade will sign the accord with the Canadian city.

The visit forms part of the city council's plans to commemorate the 100th anniversary of the sinking of the giant liner in April, 2012.

City leisure chiefs are drawing up a joint working partnership with all the cities and towns touched by the disaster, including New York, Cherbourg, Belfast, Cobh in Southern Ireland and Liverpool.

Other plans include illuminating a giant 3D hologram of the liner in Southampton Water in April, 2012, and the creation of a world-class heritage centre in the city by 2012.

A city council spokesman said: "Their role will be to negotiate how both cities can make the most out of the accord, both in terms of the Titanic commemorations and future financial benefits.

"A budget of £1,500 has been set aside. The costs are known in advance and are £476 for flight and bed and breakfast accommodation and approximately £220 to produce the framed Accord."

The spokesman said any other expenses would be open to scrutiny during the visit.

The city's ruling Liberal Democrat cabinet will be discussing the trip today. A final decision on the trip is expected in two weeks' time.

MORE TITANIC STORIES HERE