The last ice was produced in 1990 and the huge structure stands abandoned in the town's fish docks, with some of the original ice-making machinery still in place.

BBC: Grimsby Ice Factory renovation plans unveiled

Heavy machinery was brought in to break up and remove ice from the river, so that boats and divers could get in, Sideras explained.

CNN: March 16, 2013 -- Updated 0041 GMT (0841 HKT)