Hundreds turn out for King's visit to Grimsby

Hundreds of people gathered in the rain to catch a glimpse of King Charles III during a royal visit to Grimsby and Cleethorpes.

The King met organisations, businesses and residents, including staff at Horizon Youth Zone, which provides out-of-school activities for young people.

He also visited the CARE Hub, which provides support to people in crisis, as well as meeting local leaders at Grimsby Town's Blundell Park ground.

During an impromptu walkabout, the King told dozens of well-wishers: "I'm so sorry you got so wet".

Sophia said it was a real honour for the King to visit the town, and for him to meet those involved with the Horizon Youth Zone.

"It's nice for him to see what we are trying to do for the younger kids," she added.

Her daughter, Rose, aged 10, who attends the youth zone, said she was very excited to see the King.

Inside the facility, the King spoke to local schoolchildren and cadets and scouts.

He was shown around the centre's climbing wall, sports hall and training kitchen, where he watched teenagers make pizza muffins.

The King asked how the children felt about missing school for the day.

When one girl told him she had missed a maths lesson, he joked: "I have my uses."

The Horizon Youth Zone, which opened in February, caters for young people aged eight to 19, and up to 25 for those with additional needs.

It offers a range of activities, including sports, cooking, creative and performing arts.

The King also visited the CARE Hub, which has been developed by specialist designers and provides a housing programme, advice centre, food pantry and a furniture recycling project.

He met staff and people who have benefited from the centre, including Liam Atkinson, 26, who went along after his marriage broke down.

Atkinson said he lost his house and his job in the space of a year, but the project had helped him to get back on his feet.

He now has a flat for himself and his three-year-old son.

"They changed my life. All the staff here are absolutely amazing," he added.

Commenting on meeting the King, he said: "He's so down to earth. He's so kind. So considerate."

Scott Maddux, who designed the interior of the hub, added: "It was incredible how charming he was."

The King met local leaders at Grimsby Town's Blundell Park ground, and was presented with a shirt by the club's mascot, the Mighty Mariner.

Head coach David Artell said: "There are lots of good people here who are trying to put Grimsby on the map, and it's fantastic to see the King coming to see and to recognise the efforts of everyone involved."

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