A YEAR of celebrations in Immingham has been brought to a close.
Over the past 12 months, the port and town have marked the opening of a new skate park, a party to end all parties and a momentous dock open day attended by thousands.
These and many more events were held in honour of the town and the port's centenary.
Now, the celebrations have now been brought to a close – and those behind it have said thank you to everyone who got involved.
John Fitzgerald, port director for Grimsby and Immingham at Associated British Ports (ABP), said: "It has been an extraordinary year.
"We had no idea how big Immingham 100 would be.
"We ended up doing well over 20 events ranging from a lunch with pensioners to a 100 holes of golf in one day.
"Being involved with One Voice, the town council and the public has been great.
"The new year will also be full of positive news for both the port and town."
The first event to mark the celebrations was a gathering of 100 pensioners in February, for a meal and a trip down memory lane.
A competition to design the Immingham 100 logo was organised by ABP and although entries came from all the schools in the area, the winner was Alyissia-Mai Reynolds, a pupil at Canon Peter Hall Primary School, in Immingham.
One of the biggest events was the opening of the town's skatepark, named Imm-Spiration, in Homestead Park, off Washdyke Lane, in April.
The town's teenagers and community group One Voice came together to get the project off the ground.
One Voice chairman Elaine Norton said: "This year has been overwhelming and has brought the community together.
"Immingham is moving into a new era and we are all looking forward to the future.
"We have received support from the council, ABP and the public and we are very grateful.
"It is sad to be moving out of a year of celebration, but we have a lot to look forward to.
"Projects like the skate park have been a massive achievement for everyone and it is good to see the community benefiting from all the hard work."
A sculpture was also designed, built and placed on display outside the Civic Centre, inspired by the Olympics.
ABP opened the port to the public in July, hosting a six-hour party that resulted in one of the busiest days in the history of Immingham.
And the events continued. Residents held golf matches and an abseil at the Dock Tower, in Grimsby, to raise money for charity in the name of Immingham 100.
The Mayor of Immingham Councillor Neil Castle said: "It has been an amazing year. The party was fantastic and it was good to see the whole town enjoying themselves.
"The sculpture represents a legacy which will stand for years to come."
The celebrations were brought to a close with the help of Santa Claus and some glamorous ABP elves.
He swept into Oasis Academy Immingham, which was hosting a special party for 100 Immingham pre-schoolers, on a special centenary sleigh.
The party was catered for by academy pupils, who created the menu, made the food and were on hand to paint faces and decorate biscuits.
Father Christmas – ABP's deputy port manager, Simon Brett – said: "The children of Immingham are the future for the town and port industry and it is brilliant to see so many of them having such a great time."
