AN AUTHOR and historian claims to have written the 'only book in the world' about the heroic and legendary bandmaster of the Titanic, Wallace Hartley, from Colne.

Mr Hartley perished in the marine disaster after refusing a seat to safety in favour of leading his band in song, in an effort to soothe the fearful masses as the ship sank beneath the waves.

Titanic enthusiast Robert McDougall has written a memorial tribute to Mr Hartley presenting the life and times of the bandmaster on a 'then and now' theme.

Mr Dougall, who lives in Blackpool, said: "I am fascinated by the Titanic and have read all the books about it. I was shocked to find that no book had been written about the bandmaster, who is the most legendary and heroic figure in East Lancashire and England, in my opinion.

"Wallace was never awarded any decoration despite the fact he saved hundreds of lives in the Titanic disaster. He is almost a forgotten figure in East Lancashire. This book is the world's first ever book on Wallace and is a tribute to the great man."

Mr McDougall spoke to hundreds of people from Colne in the process of his research into the book which features photos, text, memorabilia, press cuttings and two poems written by the author.

Mr McDougall has sent limited edition copies of the privately published book to Pendle Council and Colne Town Hall for the Wallace Hartley archives.

He has also asked Pendle Council to petition for a George medal to be awarded to Mr Hartley and for there also to be a Wallace Hartley Day every year on 15 April: the anniversary of the sinking of the Titanic.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.