A SMALL corroded key for a lock on the Titanic smashed its guide price when it came under the hammer in Devizes on Saturday and put an international focus on the town.

Andrew Aldridge from Henry Aldridge & Son in Bath Road had expected the key, which was used by a steward who died on the passenger liner when it hit an iceberg in April 1912, to fetch between £30,000 and £50,000.

But instead it was bought for £85,000 to the delight of Mr Aldridge and his father Alan who was in charge of the gavel.

The auction brought major international attention to Devizes and a BBC film crew van in the car park meant that many local people turned up to see what the fuss was all about.

Mr Aldridge said: "We had fantastic exposure. I was on American and British TV. It is great that it helps put Devizes in the news for positive reasons.

"The interest in Titanic memorabilia is gaining rather than waning in popularity on both sides of the Atlantic."

The key, which was bought by a private telephone bidder from the UK, was described by Mr Aldridge as having an authenticated back story which showed the steward was a hero.

Mr Aldridge said: "It was sold via direct descent and it is the first time it has ever been offered for auction. Sidney Sedunary was one of over 1500 souls who lost their lives in the sinking, his body was recovered by the Mackay Bennett and his personal effects including this key were sent back to his wife Madge who was pregnant with his unborn son who was born in November 1912 and named after his father."

The key, which is attached to a brass tag stamped Locker 14 F Deck, showed Mr Sedunary worked on the F Deck on the night which the Titanic sank and despite it being flooded he managed to use the key to get to life jackets which saved other people's lives.

Other lots included a postcard written on board the Titanic by chief wireless operator Jack Phillips which sold for £19,000.

Mr Phillips stayed at his post to send distress messages as the ship sunk and is believed to have drowned.

A letter written by the ship's second officer Charles Lightoller, which reveals his parting moments with the vessel's assistant surgeon Dr John Simpson, fetched £34,000 at the auction.

The note reads: "They were all perfectly calm in the knowledge that they had done their duty and were still assisting by showing a calm and cool exterior to the passengers.

"Each one individually came up to me and shook hands. We merely exchanged the words 'goodbye, old man'.

"This occurred shortly before the end and I am not aware that he was seen by anyone after."