EUROMILLIONS winners Lee and Sue Mullen have invested £50,000 in Grimsby Town in a bid to help the club secure promotion to the Football League.

The avid Mariners' fans – who scooped £4.8 million in 2011 – have bought 500 shares worth £100 each in the club.

The couple agreed to buy the shares to enable the Blundell Park club to strengthen their squad, following discussions with director John Fenty and manager Paul Hurst. And the investment helped secure the signing of Christian Jolley, from Newport County, which was announced yesterday.

Speaking to the Grimsby Telegraph, Lee, 44, said: "I was a bit fed up with some of the stick that John Fenty and the board were getting. There have been comments about the club having a lack of ambition and I think it's totally unfair.

"They do very well given the constraints of the budget they have got. I'm a Grimsby Town fan and a football fan in general and I thought it was time somebody put their money where their mouth was.

"We have had talks with John Fenty about investing in the club and we agreed that the money would go on new players. The agreement was it had to be a player who would have an impact."

And after hearing manager Hurst enthusing about 26-year-old Jolley, Lee is confident the striker can inspire the Mariners to promotion – and put the town back on the map for all the right reasons.

"The manager speaks very highly of him. Don't get me wrong, we have got some fantastic players, but I think we need someone who's going to make a difference, and he seems to fit the bill."

Lee, who revealed that he has turned down an executive box at Manchester United because he would rather watch his beloved Grimsby Town, added: "It can only be good for the town if Grimsby get promoted and back into the football league.

"It will bring back revenue into the town and put Grimsby back on the map after all the negative publicity we have had with Skint.

"I think the team has been tremendous this season and I don't see why we can't win the league the way leaders Barnet have been playing.

"It would be a tragedy if Grimsby Town don't get promoted this season, but I am fully confident they will."

Lee said the investment was a big vote of confidence in the board and Hurst, who he described as one of the best managers in the Conference.

He believes the signing of Jolley – and Gregor Roberston, from Northampton Town – demonstrates the club's ambition.

And in a rallying cry to fellow Mariners supporters, he said: "Me and my wife are willing to put our money where our mouth is and I'm sure there are other Town fans who are in a position to support the club financially.

"And if more fans come every week, there will be more revenue, and if there is more revenue, the club can buy more quality players."

Lee and Sue, 44, have had an executive box at Blundell Park for the past two years and attend home games with their "Grimsby Town mad" son Declan, 10.

A spokesman for Grimsby Town said: "This is a significant share purchase and we are delighted at Lee and Sue's continued support.

"The club prides itself on and encourages wider ownership, there being approximately 1,250 shareholder's all owning a piece of The Grimsby Town Football Club PLC."

Turn to the back page for an interview with Town's two new signings.

YOU'LL either love it or hate it as Unilever have launched a Marmite flavoured chocolate egg for Easter. 

The egg is being launched alongside an equally unlikely Pot Noodle version by food giant Unilever, which argues they will 'broaden the appeal of Easter'.

The idea of mixing the savoury and salty taste of Marmite with the sweetness of chocolate is not the first flavour combination that would spring to mind, and the egg is said to have a beefy taste. 

The Pot Noodle Egg is plain in comparison, and is just a milk chocolate egg inside a Pot Noodle cup.

Unilever has formed a partnership with the confectionary firm Kinnerton to deliver the chocolate egg which carries hints of Marmite flavours and is promoted under the slogan 'love it or hate it'.

The firm's UK head of licensing Julie McCleave said: "Building on the success of our first ever Easter egg launch last year with iconic ice cream brands Magnum, Cornetto and Mini Milk, we wanted to bring something new to the Easter egg market once again for 2015.

"By broadening the appeal of the Easter egg fixture, we anticipate that the new additions will drive sales for retailers by offering an exciting new product from brands that consumers know and love."

The firm is hoping to tap into a growing Easter egg market that is now worth £365million in the UK every single year.

A 14-year-old boy from Lincolnshire has become one of UKIP's youngest members.

Billy Brookes, who attends Skegness Grammar School, has called for "real change" in his town and has promised to stand as councillor once he turns 18.

The schoolboy was welcomed to the party by Robin Hunter-Clarke, UKIP's Prospective Parliamentary Candidate for Boston and Skegness.

Billy said: "I am looking forward to getting more involved and fighting for a UKIP victory in May.

"Robin has proved young people can succeed in politics as he is 22, a local councillor and now standing for parliament.

"We need real change in our town and I will definitely be standing for council as soon as I am 18."

Robin Hunter Clarke said a lot of younger people are supporting UKIP.

He said: "As a former Skegness Grammar School student, this is great news for the party locally and for Skegness.

"Younger people are turning to UKIP, as the other parties have betrayed them and let them down on many issues such as tuition fees.

"I am a huge advocate for getting more young people involved in politics and I am very pleased Billy has decided to join the team.

"He is now our youngest member, and could well be one of the youngest members nationally.

"It is clear to me that he has a very bright future ahead of him indeed."

GOOD neighbours in Cleethorpes came to the rescue of a deaf resident when his upstairs flat caught fire.

The man in his 40s was forced to leap to safety after the blaze swept through the flat in Sandringham Road, shortly after 7pm last night.

The man's cat was rescued by firefighters.

Humberside Fire and Rescue Service had three crews at the scene after neighbour Deanna Hanson, 21, raised the alarm.

She told how she became concerned after hearing the sound of a smoke detector.

The young mum said: "I could hear beeping sounds and thought at first it was my gas meter. But then I heard my neighbour yelling for help.

"He was at the window.

"Next thing was he jumped out of the window."

The neighbour told how fire crews were on the scene within minutes and treated the man for the effects of smoke inhalation before the arrival of East Midlands Ambulance Service paramedics.

EMAS paramedic, Graham Green said the victim had suffered a leg injury in his fall from a rear window, as well as the effects of smoke inhalation.

He was taken to Diana, Princess of Wales Hospital Grimsby, where he was described as comfortable.

He said crews had also rescued the man's pet cat which was taken in by one of the neighbours.

Lesley Cooper, who lives next door said her partner had taken the cat to The Blue Cross animal hospital for a check up after being rescued from the burning flat.

She said the man also owned a bearded dragon, but its fate was not known at the time of going to press.

She said: "The chap is deaf and does not sign much.

"He communicates by lip reading. He was shocked.

"We were pleased to help. Round here we are not in each others' houses but we can count on each other."

A spokesman for Humberside Police said officers were on guard at the scene until the property was made secure.

He said: "It is not suspicious."

A Humberside Fire and Rescue Service spokeswoman said the cause of the fire would be investigated.

IT may have only been 1-0, but Grimsby Town's victory at Eastleigh last night showed the other Conference big hitters they mean business this season.

Ollie Palmer slotted home the winner after 38 minutes and, while it could have been even better for the Mariners, that strike was enough to seal three fantastic points.

Golden chances fell to Craig Clay and Lenell John-Lewis – either side of the break – but the visitors had to settle for a narrow verdict at the Silverlake Stadium.

After signing for the club on Monday, Christian Jolley and Gregor Robertson both made their Town debuts – right from the start.

It meant there was no place in the line-up for either Jack Mackreth or Danny Parslow, who both dropped to the substitutes' bench.

As expected, Mariners boss Paul Hurst recalled leading scorer John-Lewis to partner loanee Palmer in attack against The Spitfires.

And it was the returning frontman that found himself in the action straightaway, firing over from 15 yards after Nathan Arnold's centre.

Operating from the left, debutant Jolley soon highlighted the qualities he may bring to the quest for a Football League return.

Picking up from deep, the former Newport man slid a delicate ball through to Palmer – but there was just enough weight on the pass to tempt Ross Flitney out to collect.

John-Lewis had the ball in the Eastleigh net shortly after, but the offside flag had already gone up as the Mariners asserted their authority on the contest.

It was all Town as the clock ticked past 15 minutes and, after a corner, Palmer found time and space at the far post.

However, the striker failed to connect with his right foot, and the home side were able to regroup.

With 20 minutes gone, Eastleigh may well have taken the lead against the run of play – and in some style, too.

A looping centre eventually dropped towards Jack Midson, and the home dangerman stuck a sweet, left-footed volley from 25 yards.

Thankfully for Town – and James McKeown – his effort sailed wide of the far post.

There was then a moment of concern for the Mariners, as Toto Nsiala temporarily left the field after clashing with James Constable.

He was deemed fit enough to resume, though, and following a short delay the visitors were back up to their full quota.

As the first half went on, Eastleigh – orchestrated by ex-Premier League midfielder Brian Howard – eased their way back into the contest.

But while the hosts attempted to gain control, it was the Mariners who continued to play the better football – and they looked the more threatening, too.

Seven minutes from the interval, the visitors were rewarded with an opener, courtesy of a gift from their promotion rivals.

Palmer chased what seemed to be a lost cause down the left-hand side and, after a slip from Jamie Turley, the loanee finished with style.

It was no more than Town had deserved, and it could have been so much better as the first half drew to a close.

John-Lewis and Palmer were, in tandem, proving a handful for the Eastleigh defence, and their work led to a chance for Clay.

However, ten-yards out, the midfielder looked to place his finish, and Flitney was ultimately able to recover and make the save.

Just seconds after the restart, Town perhaps should have been celebrating a second.

Palmer raced clear of his marker but, after delivering a fine centre to John-Lewis, his strike partner headed wide with the goal at his mercy.

They could have been out of sight, but the visitors remained focussed and continued to dominate a lively encounter.

Robertson and Jolley – the Town new boys – were linking up well on the left, and the latter may well have marked his debut with a goal.

But as the clock ticked towards the hour mark, the former Newport man casually volleyed over after promising build-up play from Arnold and Carl Magnay.

The hosts had offered very little all night, but with skipper Craig Disley momentarily off the field, his side had to deal with a nervy moment.

Midson delivered from the left, but after one of two deflection along the way, Magnay and Pearson combined to remove the danger.

Eastleigh summoned Craig McAllister and Yemi Odubade from the bench, but those switched failed to change the flow of the game.

On 63 minutes, from another Arnold corner, defender Shaun Pearson saw his header cleared off the line before Disley – back on the field – drew a fine save from Flitney.

Town's captain may not have struck a better volley all season long, but the away stopper dived at full stretch to tip his effort over the crossbar.

Constable had endured a frustrating night, but Nsiala's slip almost presented Eastleigh with a second half equaliser.

It wasn't to be, though, as Magnay deflected a powerful strike away for a corner.

There was still time for both Palmer and John-Lewis to fire wide but, try as they might, the visitors just couldn't find a second to put the contest to bed.

Given the chances that had gone begging, Hurst decided it was better to stick rather than twist, and Parslow was sent on to shore up the midfield.

And it proved to be the right call as Town, despite one or two hairy moments, held on for a second Conference win in three days.

Next up for the Mariners is a reunion with bottom-side Telford.

Paul Hurst's in-form side will be looking to avenge their frustrating 1-1 draw with the Bucks in November.

YESTERDAY'S discovery follows months of raids across the area.

In August 2014, police unearthed what they claimed was "the most elaborate" cannabis factory they had ever seen during a raid on a derelict bank in Grimsby.

As reported, teams raided the former Barclay's Bank in Cleethorpe Road and discovered a haul of more than 1,000 cannabis plants thought to be worth at least £579,000 and an extensive network of fans and lighting in most of the rooms in the building, including the vault.

Quy Van Le, 31, of no fixed address, admitted producing cannabis at the former bank on August 4 as well as a similar, smaller offence in Derbyshire in 2011, and was jailed for two years in December.

PAUL Hurst was full of praise for his Grimsby Town players after they clinched a superb 1-0 victory at promotion rivals Eastleigh.

Loan striker Ollie Palmer slotted home the winner after 38 minutes – and the Town boss revealed after the match he is hopeful of extending his stay at Blundell Park.

The victory saw Town edge nine points clear of their opponents.

And after notching up a second Conference win in three days, Hurst says it was no more than his battling side deserved.

He told the Telegraph: "It was a game that had a bit of everything, and for large parts we played extremely well.

"At the end we had to stand up to their physical threat, and we should have put it to bed. But to come here on the back of the games we've had, credit must go to the players for getting a deserved victory.

"It was a very good performance – Eastleigh prepared a good pitch and we took advantage of it, and showed we are a decent side."

Christian Jolley and Gregor Robertson both made their Town debuts from the start, but it was loan star Palmer that stole the show.

His opener came courtesy of a slip from Jamie Turley, but it was no more than the visitors deserved in a contest they dominated.

Craig Clay and the Lenell John-Lewis had golden chances either side of the break, but Town had to be settle for a narrow verdict.

And while James McKeown was called into action late on, three points more were ultimately added to the promotion charge.

On the prospect of extending Palmer's loan, Hurst added: "As things stand, Ollie's last game of the current deal is Forest Green.

"We have spoken about things, and we are hopeful we can maybe extend that.

"Ollie is enjoying his football, and it's certainly one that we are looking to follow up.

"It was a clinical finish from him for the winner, and it's great to have someone like him with us."

A HUGE cannabis factory of more than 2,000 plants – said to be the biggest haul in Humberside Police's 41-year history – was unearthed after firefighters dealt with a blaze in Grimsby.

It is thought the street value of the Class B drug is more than £1 million. Humberside Fire And Rescue had been called to a fire at a commercial premises in King Edward Street yesterday at 4.59am, which is thought to have been triggered by an electrical fault. Firefighters broke down the door to gain access to the building, which had smoke billowing out of it.

Detectives at the scene said a cannabis factory had been discovered after police had been called to the scene.

A police spokesperson said: "We were called to an address in King Edward Street in Grimsby this morning shortly after 5.30am following a fire breaking out at the property.

"The call was made to police by the fire service.

"On police attendance, the property was found to be the location of a large cannabis factory, thought to be housing in excess of 2,000 plants."

Police then continued dismantling the factory for the remainder of the morning, before officers arrived to take the plants away.

At the time of going to print, no arrests had been made.

Fire crews forced entry and used breathing apparatus and two hose reels.

The owners of the building were seen talking to police outside the property. It is thought that the building is part of a pension fund and they have little to no involvement with the premises, aside from renting it out.

A member of staff from a nearby business said the building had been empty for quite some time.

"The road was closed off when I got into work at about 6.45am," he said.

"It's strange because I thought the premises were empty. It used to be rented out but I'm not sure what use it serves now."

Another member of staff who works nearby said: "I arrived at work at 6.30am to find three fire engines and a police van outside.

"I'm not sure if the building is empty or not, but there's not been much activity going on there recently."

A passer-by added: "We thought it was going to be a case of arson or something like that, but we didn't expect this.

"The owners have been renting it out recently, the signs have only just gone up above the building."

Enquiries are ongoing and anyone who has any information in connection with this incident is asked to call police on 101, quoting log number 55 of January 27. Alternatively, calls can be made anonymously to Crimestoppers on 0800 555 111.

Feeling lucky? The latest National Lottery draw takes place tonight but how much can you win on the Lotto.

Well, if all six of your numbers come-up you could be in for a major windfall as it's a rollover.

The current jackpot total stands at £14.7 million and 50 Lotto raffle winners look set to win £20,000 each.

The draw takes place tonight - be lucky!

Strong winds have caused disruption on the Humber Bridge this morning.

A 30mph speed limit has been enforced on the A15 Humber Bridge in North Ferriby between the A63 junction and the A1077 junction, because of high winds.

Keep checking for updates.

A number of popular breakfast cereals have been found to contain as much sugar as seven and a half chocolate fingers per portion.

Campaigners warned that such high levels contribute towards childhood obesity.

The study, carried out by campaign group Action On Sugar, also found that there has been an increase in the amount of sugar found in certain types of cereals over the past three years.

It found 14 out of 50 cereals were at least a third sugar – 33.3g per 100g, or eight teaspoons in each serving.

The worst offender was Aldi's Harvest Morn Choco Rice at 39g per 100g, which was up by 18 per cent since a survey by the consumer group Which? in 2012.

Morrisons Honey & Nut Corn Flakes and Sainsbury's Honey Nut Corn Flakes came in at 36.3g per 100g – up by 8 per cent compared with three years ago, although this is disputed. The amount in Kellogg's Frosties was 37g per 100g and that for its Crunchy Nut was 25g per 100g, neither of which has changed.

Experts claim many manufacturers are ignoring advice to cut sugar, which has been dubbed the new tobacco over fears that it could become as big a national health problem as cigarettes.

Action On Sugar nutritionist Kawther Hashem said: 'You wouldn't give your child chocolate biscuits for breakfast, yet certain manufacturers are effectively doing that for us.'

Snowfall is looking likely tonight as several weather forecasters have predicted adverse weather across Grimsby.

As reported, a yellow weather warning is in place for snow across the Humber region.

And now other forecasters, including the BBC, expect both heavy and light snow showers to fall over Grimsby for a predicted ten hours.

If it does indeed snow, remember to send us your best snow photos to us via email on newsdesk@grimsbytelegraph.co.uk.

FANCY owning a piece of iconic Cleethorpes history?

The famous Blundell Park Hotel in Grimsby Road has gone up for sale as owner Archie Needham is retiring after 40 years running the business.

The landmark 19-room hotel, bar and restaurant is being sold through estate agent Jackson Green And Preston and is on the market for £475,000.

Mr Needham is reluctantly selling the business after he decided to retire earlier this year, he said: "I've really enjoyed my time but it's time to retire now.

"I've owned the business for 40 years and loved every minute of it.

"I'm going to keep busy though; I'll work till I'm 90 and then get a part-time job!

"I don't know what will happen to the business after I retire but it would be nice to see it still running as hotel."

The fully functioning hotel offers a commercial opportunity as the building provides 19 let-able bedrooms with the majority having en-suite bathrooms, a good sized "Freehouse" bar area, and a 52 foot, 60-seater steakhouse restaurant.

The sale of the hotel not only includes the building but also all of the furnishings, fixtures and fittings, so any prospective buyer can resume trading again right away.

There is also the possibility of a development opportunity for nine apartments after Mr Needham obtained planning permission some years ago, for such a conversion.

Mr Needham would also consider a working part-owner, or may let out the property.

In 2013 the hotel saw Hollywood step through its doors as Bruno and Borat star Sacha Baron Cohen visited the hotel while researching his controversial film "Grimsby".

Barwoman at the hotel, Rosetta Stiles at the time said: "He was a really nice guy.

"He was really down to earth and was chatting away to all the supporters.

"I even managed to get an autograph but I wasn't allowed to get my picture taken with him.

"It was fantastic to meet him though."

The film sees Cohen play a Grimsby Town football hooligan who leads a group of fellow fans to watch England in Chile. While there he encounters his brother, played by Mark Strong, a British spy on the run.

The upcoming film has caused outrage among our residents, as they feel the town is being portrayed as a grubby, violent ghetto populated by undesirables.

The film has particularly caused controversy after it emerged that our town's women were being portrayed as "tattooed fatties" after Cohen hired six 20-stone women to depict female footballer supporters from the town.

UNISON has suspended a planned strike for its NHS members in England which was scheduled for tomorrow.

It follows several meetings with Health Secretary Jeremy Hunt to resolve disputes over pay.

The union said it will consult its members over a proposal put forward by the Department of Health.

The Royal College of Midwives, Unite and GMB have also confirmed they will suspend strike action planned for this coming Thursday.

Several NHS walkouts were staged across the country last year after the government's decision not to implement a recommended 1% pay rise.

The offer made by the government is understood to include:

However as no action will take place, service will continue as normal. 

FANCY becoming a poet? 

Poetweet will make you one. Instantly.

The Brazilian site scans your Twitter feed and turns your tweets into a sonnet, a rondel or an indriso.

The results are profound, moving and inspirational in equal measure.

Here's what happened when we tried it on the @GrimsbyTel Twitter account:

Racer &
by Grimsby Telegraph

Facing council tax increase.
Out of FA Cup on weekend of upsets
Diagnosed with Parkinsons disease
Burn calories beneath the sheets.

Now... more roadworks scheduled.
And tells he's not scared of her.
On the BBC iPlayer in 2014 revealed
Former School headteacher

To become new housing developments
Suffers broken leg in collision
Out to consultation with residents

Like Grimsby Town taking a stand'
Pink Rose Suite thanks to support
Missions with RAF Bomber Command

We also tried it with a few famous twitter accounts: 

Number 20
by Justin Bieber

Nice
I look like a sex Panther
Need to keep up with my practice :)
New choreographer

That's what it's all about
Elevator swag with the team
Edition is here. Check it out
Blue dream

Keeping it positive
Mornings in Cali *
Being creative

Just played ball in Rome
U changed mine
I would come :)

By Her

by KATY PERRY

SQUAD DAY����
Hakuna Matata bitches ��
HAPPY BIRTHDAY ��
Mandee… Happy Birthday, Batches!

Zexy "@itsvalkubus: morta"
Fits the glass Jordan's slipper.
WAKE UP BRAZIL MORRRRRRRTA
Most smartest, best damn tapper ��

Deep in SB rehearsals:
IN ABS, I MAKE UP FOR IN HEART!
Relationship goals:
New Year. I love a fresh start.
EVERYWHERE MY INNER CHILD SQUEALS!

At home
by David Cameron

Ending sexual violence in conflict.
Interfering. It's time to reform
Of the city's financial district.

My article with for today's Times:
Sure the UK is fully protected.
Host for the friendly games.

Since 2010. Watch to find out more:

Emmerson & LCpl Donna White.

So why not type in your Twitter handle and wait for the site to work its magic.

Just don't expect Tennyson.

A NEW chapter has begun in the history of Immingham Museum – which has now reopened following its annual shutdown.

Alterations were made to enhance the existing displays and now visitors can look forward to checking out a new shop display, under the stairway, which will be "open all hours".

And, like Arkwright's corner shop in the hit TV series, it comes complete with a full stock of memories.

Museum trustee, volunteer and Mayor of Immingham, Councillor Malcolm Cullum, was thrilled by the new shop display, which has original Dolly Blues made by Reckitts of Hull – a product that helped make scores of housewives' whites whiter.

The display installed to commemorate the Pilgrim Fathers of Immingham has also been enhanced and made bigger.

And, with the transformation of Immingham's Kennedy Way well underway, the museum has erected a display to mark the construction and opening of the precinct in 1965.

It has cuttings from The Immingham News and photographs by their weekend photographer, Malcolm Cullum.

Some of Mr Cullum's other photographs he took for the paper are also displayed, highlighting the people and places in the frame in the 1960s.

He said: "I was their weekend photographer for a while. Pat Otter was the editor. David Shaw was their reporter before he went off to work for the London Evening Standard.

"The paper was first issued on Friday, October 15, when the precinct opened."

The photographic display is of Immingham between 1966 and 1970.

Volunteers have also been updating the railway display in the upstairs of the museum.

The mayor said: "I have been going around visiting many of the groups in the town to turn a spotlight on all that they do. We have many unsung heroes in Immingham and I thank them for all that they do."

THE following people have been sentenced by Grimsby magistrates for non-payment of a TV licence:

Sophie Graves, 18, of Thesiger House, Grimsby, fined £200 with £120 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Glen Haggerty, 56, of Carnforth Crescent, Grimsby, fined £500 with £120 costs and a £50 victims' surcharge.

Samantha Harris, 25, of Lulworth Walk, Immingham, fined £300 with £120 costs and a £30 victims' surcharge.

Sarah Hibbert, 35, of Convamore Road, Grimsby, fined £40 with £120 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Mark Downs, 41, of Eskdale Way, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Robert Dowsing, 57, of Surrey Court, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Melissa Eagle, 27, of Newton Grove, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Amy Edwards, 21, of Willingham Street, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Joanne Field, 40, of Wroxham Avenue, Grimsby, fined £400 with £80 costs and a £40 victims' surcharge.

Emma Fox, 18, of Grimsby Road, Cleethorpes, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Marie Fox, 39, of Carnforth Crescent, Grimsby, fined £400 with £80 costs and a £40 victims' surcharge.

Mark Gibbins, 47, of Oxford Street, Grimsby, fined £45 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Kelly Grant, 19, of Byron Grove, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

Janet Guest, 31, of Chatsworth Place, Grimsby, fined £200 with £80 costs and a £20 victims' surcharge.

TAIWAN has banned children under the age of two from using electronic devices such as iPads, televisions and smartphones.

Parents in the country who allow their young children to play with their gadgets face fines of up to £1,000, in line with a law passed last week.

The new law also states that parents must ensure that under-18s only use electronic products for a 'reasonable' length of time.

Taiwanese lawmakers passed the new legislation last Friday, completely banning parents from allowing their under-twos to use any electronic devices meanwhile those under-18 are not allowed to 'constantly use electronic products for a period of time that is not reasonable'.  

The new law means that iPads, smartphones and televisions are now listed alongside cigarettes and alcohol as restricted.

Research published in December last year found that 7.1 per cent of the population in Asia is addicted to the internet.

Since the release of the first iPad in 2010, an ever increasing number of parents use the Apple device to 'babysit' their children.

A recent poll found that half of British parents routinely allow infants to play with their smartphone or tablet, and one in seven let them spend more than four hours a day on hand-held devices.

Even Prince William recently admitted to letting Prince George play games on his iPad, saying that he believes it is 'a good way to each him the inner workings of electronics'.

Research published in the British Medical Journal found that a child born today will have spent a full year staring at screens (tablets, computers, TVs) by the time they reach seven.