Southampton'S new Sea City museum has been handed a £200,000 funding boost to bring the city’s maritime history to life.

Ministers yesterday announced that the museum, which will open to mark the centenary of the Titanic setting sail from the city on April 10, was one of 36 successful bidders for a new fund.

The cash will go towards the Gateway to the World gallery, which will tell the story of the people of Southampton and the city's historic connection to the sea.

Council leader Cllr Royston Smith said: “This money, alongside other fundraising efforts, will pay for a world class museum that will create jobs and spur on new investment in Southampton.”

Southampton’s award was one of the largest out of a £4m pot announced yesterday by the Department for Culture, Media and Sport, and the Wolfson Foundation charity.