'People think Grimsby is Grim, but I love it' – Guy Martin

To celebrate Great Grimsby Day, BBC Radio Humberside presenter Kofi Smiles joined TV personality, mechanic and proud Grimbarian Guy Martin to discuss his love of the town and how it shaped him to enjoy a career working with engines.

"People who don't know Grimsby think it's in the name Grim," Martin says. "But everything for me and my family revolved around Grimsby.

"Whether it was shopping down Cleethorpes front or going to Chicago Rock Cafe – my sister was the manager of it – I love Grimsby."

Born at the Nunsthorpe Maternity Hospital, which closed in 2004, Martin grew up in Kirmington, North Lincolnshire, and as a boy would watch Grimsby Town with his dad and his brother.

But you need only a quick look around his workshop – with shelves of nuts, bolts and screws all around and hydraulic machinery, wheels and engines on the floor – to see what has been his real passion all his life.

He credits growing up in the town and "playing with bikes and riding through farmers' fields" as the spark that ignited his love of engines.

"I used to annoy the farmers. Now I work for them [fixing their vehicles]," he says.

After retiring from professional racing, Martin became a familiar face on TV screens, presenting shows including Speed with Guy Martin, which saw him attempt numerous world records.

One of his achievements was setting a world record for the fastest speed on a gravity-powered snow sled at 83.49mph (134.37km/h) in January 2014.

Later that year he set the record for the fastest speed in a soapbox at 85.61mph (137.78km/h) at Mont Venoux, France.

He also set a new speed record for riding a Wall of Death in 2016, reaching 78mph (125.5km/h).

And the 43-year-old's thirst for speed has not been diluted over the years. He is currently working on his next big project, which is to set a new record of hitting 300mph within a mile of a standing start on his modified motorbike.

Whatever he sets his sights on next and wherever that takes him, he says Grimsby is always in his heart and there is plenty to be proud of.

"Look at the renewable energy industry. The centre of it is sort of based in Grimsby. Hornsea 2, Dogger Bank – they're all run from Grimsby. Boats coming in back and forth.

"Some bits are a bit rundown but it's like this everywhere. They're redoing Freshney Place. Spending a bit of money down there. I love it."

Martin is clearly proud of his roots – a spirit the Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Civic Society is encouraging among fellow residents for Great Grimsby Day.

Originally held in January, it was seen by some as a publicity stunt for a local seafood business but the society campaigned for the date to move to March 11 and tie in with the anniversary of Great Grimsby being granted its Royal Charter by King John in 1201.

It is set to become a date in the calendar designed to celebrate Grimsby's past and the journey to how Grimbarians live today.

Events are taking place at the town hall and Freeman Street Market, starting with the raising of the borough flag, guided walks of "hidden Grimsby" and a charter exhibition.

Martin is keen to point out that his success would not have been possible without help from those around him. Not being afraid to ask for help is something that has served him well and is his one bit of advice for others.

"If there's something I can't do with machine jobs, there's someone within a five-mile radius. You can get anything done. There are some clever folks around in Grimsby," he says.

His days and nights around the town have changed quite a bit from when he was younger. He now enjoys Sunday mornings at the arcades with his daughter.

But although the machines and games may have changed in that time, the big kid at heart gets as much enjoyment out of it as his daughter does.

"My young 'un has got an obsession with the penny machines," he laughs.

"I can get away with going down to the arcades on a morning. It's great."

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