A SUCCESSFUL business, which started as a hobby, now has a new owner.
Arena Airsoft, in King Edward Street, Grimsby, started as a bit of fun, but due to its popularity and demand for expansion its founder has stepped aside.
Airsoft is a game where players carry replica firearms and fire small round pellets at each other in a combat situation.
Arena Airsoft's former owner Sean Atkinson, 44, of Welholme Road, Grimsby, said: "I started the business with a group of friends for a laugh.
"It suddenly became very serious and went from a part time hobby to a full-time job.
"What Airsoft does is gets people that are playing shooting video games off the sofa and doing it for real in a controlled safe environment.
"It is very realistic and great fun. I am the director of a video production company called Focus 7 and I have also just started a temporary contract with Green Futures.
"I physically don't have the time or energy to keep this business running, so I decided new investment was needed to take the company forward.
"Now I have handed it over I will get a chance to play Airsoft a bit more."
Players can use a variety of guns ranging from pistols to sniper rifles and even grenades. While in the arena, protective clothing has to be worn due to the high power of the guns.
New owner Brian Frame, 50, said: "I run my own company, called Lincolnshire Airsoft, which is based in Ingoldmells.
"I came to Arena Airsoft about two years ago as a player and really enjoyed it.
"A gap opened up for someone to take it on and I jumped at the chance. I now want to develop and build on what is already here.
"We want to put on different types of games as well as training. We allow 11 to 16-year-olds to play and anyone older than that.
"We are open four days a week for regular sessions and seven days for private bookings.
"Some of the sessions have also been extended. It is £15 to play and children get free weapon hire and, starting on Thursday, November 8, we will be putting on a tactical training for those who want to improve their skills."
To book or for more information about Arena Airsoft, call 07752 404060.
