TEESSIDERS are being invited to unlock the submerged secrets of a shipwrecked steamer, without getting their feet wet.

Using underwater video footage and photographs, the University of Teesside, Middlesbrough, has produced a 3D image of the wreck of the Dimitris, which sank off the Redcar coast 48 years ago.

The pictures of the wreck were shot with underwater cameras by the Cleveland Divers and were paid for by the Countryside Agency, which has also contributed to the cost of a CD-Rom which is being produced. Fiona McKay is the local heritage initiative adviser in the North-East for the agency which has invested £10,000 in the project.

She said: "The shipwreck Dimitris project is an exciting way of bringing history to life.

"Many people will have spotted the 'Dimi' at low tide, but now they can discover so much that had only previously been seen by trained divers.

"The virtual reality tour is truly spectacular and will bring alive the divers' work for local people.''