ORGANISERS of an ambitious exhibition of rare Titanic memorabilia, due to go on display in Southampton tomorrow, have been forced to delay the opening until next week.

The exhibition, Titanic, Honour and Glory, was set to welcome the first members of the public at the Bargate Centre but then half of the items were delayed in Scotland and will only arrive in Southampton today.

Roger Hardingham, one of the exhibition promoters, said: “Many of the exhibits are already in Southampton but some of the most important display items are only expected this afternoon, which makes the scheduled opening on Saturday simply impossible.’’

Titanic, Honour and Glory, will now open for business on Friday, April 16, just in time for a series of events in the city commemorating the sinking of Titanic in April, 1912.

Among the items still to arrive from Scotland are four replicas of Titanic funnels and a display of china which was used on the ill-fated White Star liner.

“We did consider going ahead with the original opening date but we want to make sure everything is right for visitors,’’ said Mr Hardingham.