Three Co Londonderry brothers have undertaken the Titanic task of recreating the staircase from one of the world’s most famous ships.

Sean, Francis and Pius Diamond from the family-run Oldtown Joinery in Bellaghy have been working on the RMS Titanic replica staircase for two months.

Sean, who runs the firm, told the Belfast Telegraph that the project has been a painstaking process and “the most challenging” the company has undertaken in its 20-year history.

Using mostly traditional joinery techniques as would’ve been the case in the making of the original creation, Sean said there are some little differences. “We are subject to building control, so certain things are different. For example, we’ve had to install a brass handrail for health and safety purposes.

“The biggest difference is the stage or platform area that has been included to allow presentations to take place on the staircase, or functions to make use of it.”

The staircase will be the centrepiece of the Titanic Suite — Northern Ireland's biggest conference facility — on the fifth and sixth floors of the new Titanic Building. The first instalment of the feature is expected to take place in four weeks.

It will then be unveiled to the public when the building opens in April 2012.

The Diamond brothers’ staircase is also expected to play a very popular photo backdrop at wedding receptions held here.

Council hosts Titanic jobs event

Belfast City Council is to host an information day on October 20 to highlight job opportunities to be created by the opening of Titanic Belfast, a major new tourism and cultural visitor attraction to be located in the heart of Titanic Quarter.

As well as hearing about the areas of employment available — including retail, catering, hospitality and security — representatives from a range of training organisations will be available to share more about the skills needed to compete for posts as they are advertised over the coming months.

Lord Mayor of Belfast Niall O Donnghaile said: “It is important that the development of Titanic Quarter offers opportunities for everyone in the city.

“The Titanic Belfast Community Information Day is an excellent pre-employment event offering attendees the chance to ‘skill-up’ prior to recruitment for the posts,” he added.