A campaign to save one of the Titanic's tug tenders has gained momentum.

More than 500 people have now added their names to an online petition to save SS Nomadic. A Belfast-based organisation, Belfast Industrial Heritage, has launched its own campaign.

Nikki Goff, a Totton-based photographer, pictured below, is hoping to hold an exhibition next month to raise money to save the tug which became famous for ferrying scores of passengers to and from the luxury liner in 1912.

Thierry Dufournaud, of the French Titanic Society said that within days of the Daily Echo article on the attempts to set up a Titanic museum, support grew.

He said: "In just those few days, the petition became an international coalition."

He added that with the help of the Daily Echo 550 people have now signed up.

Earlier this week we revealed that Southampton City Council announced it was to embark on a feasibility study into a £4.6m marine heritage centre in the city. Nikki Goff has also been to see Nomadic, which is the last remaining White Star Ship still afloat.

Nikki shot off two rolls of film of Nomadic moored at docks in Le Havre, France. She said the boat was just a hull at the moment with all the fittings stripped.

"From what I understand she is quite sound below the water and her interior is intact,'' she added.

"What is needed is for her to be restored to her former glory but that is going to cost a lot of money.'' Because the tender had such a plush interior it was given to the Titanic to transport passengers between the luxury liner and land.