YOUNGSTERS will get the chance to view fascinating artefacts from a sea tragedy more than 160 years ago.

Latchford author Gill Hoffs, who wrote a book on the sinking of Warrington-built RMS Tayleur, is holding a book signing event at Waterstones in Golden Square shopping centre on Saturday, January 21.

The occasion has been organised to mark the 163rd anniversary of the disaster.

The mum-of-one will be signing copies of the The Sinking of RMS Tayleur: The Lost Story of the 'Victorian Titanic' and The Lost Story of the William & Mary: The Cowardice of Captain Stinson.

But Gill, 37, is also set to answer questions on shipwrecks she has written about and research strategies used, as well as bringing along a number of historic artefacts and newspaper cuttings.

She said: "If there are any kids looking to learn more about Victorians for school, or how to become a writer, then they are most welcome to come along.

"I'll be bringing some artefacts from the Tayleur wreck, original newspaper cuttings and Victorian clothing – as seen on the episode of BBC's Coast featuring this tragedy.

"It's the perfect opportunity to use up book tokens from Christmas or to find out about writing, research, and genealogy.

"I came across the story of the Tayleur in Warrington Museum and Art Gallery.

"Although this enormous ship – the biggest of her type in the world at that time – made headlines around the world for her launch and wrecking against an Irish cliff 48 hours later, there was a massive cover-up at the subsequent inquiries and the White Star Line managed to continue their business.

"The iron hull confused the many compasses on the ship so no two agreed and when the ship was out at sea in foul weather they became completely lost, only realising they were approaching the cliff of Lambay Island when it was too late.

"I discovered through my research that journalists of the time actually realised this Bank Quay-built emigrant ship was doomed well before it left Liverpool for the Australian Gold Rush, with about 700 people on board, but weren't allowed to say."

The book signing, which will feature a question and answer session, runs from 1pm to 2pm.

For further information e-mail gillhoffs@hotmail.co.uk