THE Titanic lived up to its name at a fun bath-tub river race.

As with its more famous predecessor, the Titanic in question failed to reach its destination on its maiden voyage in the annual River Wear Bath Tub Race.

Indeed, the tub, entered by staff from the Washington branch of the stationery company Staples, made no headway from the start line, at Washington's Fatfield Bridge.

Skipper Darren Nimby had to abandon ship when the floats snapped off and it became clear the vessel was far from shipshape.

Instead, the Staples crew borrowed one of the decorated tubs entered by staff from the Asda regional distribution centre in Washington.

Despite their valiant efforts they came in last in the unfamiliar craft in a time of 15 minutes and 18 seconds over the quarter-mile course down river to the Sir James Steel Park.

There was some consolation for the Staples crew, who won the trophy for raising the most money in sponsorship.

The Asda All Stars, the regional distribution centre management crew of Doug Hunter, Nick Morgan, Michelle Milling and John Metherall, were the winners in 10 mins 48 secs, with their colleagues, the Jesters, a minute behind in second, while third place went to HMS Ancillary.

Jan Hall, Asda regional distribution centre events coordinator, stepped in to keep the event afloat following the death of its founder, Wearside businessman Eddie Dunn.

The race is expected to raise £1,000 for St Benedict's Hospice, in Sunderland, where Mr Dunn received support prior to his death.

Jan hopes next year's event, to be restored to its traditional date on the August Bank Holiday weekend, will prove bigger and better with more time to seek a wider entry.

Anyone wanting further information can contact Jan, on 0191-501 8109.