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SIRENS sounded across Southampton port at exactly 12pm today to mark the 100th anniversary of the moment the ill-fated White Star Liner, Titanic, left the dockside.

A recording of the Titanic's whistle gave three long blasts to signify the moment a century ago that she slipped her mooring to leave Southampton docks for a date with history.

A large audience of invited guests including relatives of those who travelled on Titanic attended a moving ceremony at the city's Ocean Terminal at dock gate four where the great liner left from.

Meridian Tonight presenter Fred Dinenage, who lost a great uncle when the ship sank on the night of April 14 and morning of April 15 was host for the event.

Music was provided by the Southampton Choral Society and the Royal Marines Association Concert Band.

The guests were taken through a moving account of the Titanic's story and in particular how the sinking cost so many lives of the crew from Southampton.

After prayers, wreath laying on the water was led by the Lord Lieutenant of Hampshire, Dame Mary Fagan.

The entire audience were later presented with a single rose to cast into the sea as their own mark of remembrance.

The event was organised in association with Southampton Solent University and was also supported by the Daily Echo and Southampton City Council.

Find out more about Titanic

You can find out more about Titanic and the disaster's impact on Southampton with the Daily Echo.

Throughout the coming weeks, we will be showcasing unique content in our Titanic mini-site.

In the meantime, you can discover key sites across the city relating to the tragedy, the latest news relating to the ship or even find out some of the key facts behind the vessel, her demise and the people who perished and survived, including a list of all the crew members and the locations of their homes in Southampton.