Over 70 VIP guests at a special event at Blundell Park, home of Grimsby Town Football Club saw first hand how the project is working to help young people and combat social exclusion and divert young people away from anti-social behaviour, truancy and youth crime.

The North East Lincolnshire scheme was set up in 2007. Get Hooked on Fishing is a nationally acclaimed programme and is the brainchild of Mick Watson, a Durham-based Policeman. Mr Watson addressed those at the event and praised the work of Shoreline and North East Lincolnshire Council, which fund the North East Lincs Project. He also thanked the other key partners, Immingham Town Council and the Environment Agency for their invaluable contributions.

Get Hooked On Fishing co-ordinator Mark Fenty said:
"Shoreline's three-year funding has enabled the Programme Leader and the Management Group to build a solid infrastructure for the future. The programme is providing practical sessions at its base at Homestead Lake in Immingham and also utilises other venues in our region. Also in development is a strong foothold in many of our local schools, offering young people the opportunity to learn the theory of angling as well as the practical skills required. I am delighted with what the project has achieved so far."

Click images to enlarge

Youngsters from the Shalom Youth Centre attended Blundell Park, together with representatives from all those involved in the partnership. These included the Mayor of North East Lincolnshire, Coun Colin Eastwell, the Mayor of Immingham, Coun Mark Sandford, senior North East Lincolnshire Officers, Teachers, Police seniors officials from Shoreline Housing Partnership and the Environment Agency.

Additionally the scheme has seen the £27,000 redevelopment of Homestead Park, Immingham, which the youngsters now use for fishing.