THE adventure of a lifetime awaits a Blackpool man who is helping to raise the Titanic.

Bill Bissett is playing a major part in a project to recover the legendary liner from the bottom of the Atlantic after nearly 80 years.

He is one of a 40-strong team headed by Cambridgeshire man Douglas Woolley who has obtained the salvage rights of the vessel and found people from all over the world to help him.

Now, they are hoping to finalise a deal for funding with an American businessman, moving them a step nearer to their goal.

Bill's involvement in the project started when he was introduced to Douglas by a mutual friend in London during the early 1980s..

Bill, of Crossland Road, said: "We got talking about interests and he mentioned an idea he had for raising the Titanic.

"The story had been close to my heart since I was at school. I was delighted to become part of the project and since then we have never looked back."

Bill, with a little help from his son Dennis, has been put in charge of all correspondence connected with the project and admits some people remain sceptical about the plans.

"When they see how much work we have done, however, they take us more seriously," he said.

"It will all be done in good taste and any mortal remains will be given a proper burial."

Bill would love to dive down to the wreck and take underwater pictures.

"I may not be qualified enough, though," he said. "But I am really looking forward to the raising of the Titanic. It will certainly be the adventure of a lifetime."

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