Grimsby 'Ice Man' of pool was the youngest national champion and could also now be the oldest

Grimsby's Ice Man is making a comeback 34 years after he was the UK's Number One pool champion.

Owner of The Lounge pool hall on King Edward Street, Wayne Fryer is now 52 years and already winning matches in national competitions. He is back to winning ways with the same cue with which he conquered the championship and is proud to be the second oldest professional on the national pool tour is from Grimsby.

There is a great chance he could be the youngest national pool champion ever and the oldest. Wayne, who was nicknamed the Ice Man due to his cool approach to every frame, makes an unbeatable pairing with wife of 31-years, Audrey, who plays in ladies' tournaments.

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They met in a pool club in Wayne's native west London. Wayne spent years touring pool halls throughout the country, often appearing at events in Bradford, Coventry, Southport and Birmingham and a popular pool festival on the island of Jersey.

"I lost a bit of interest and wanted to take a year off. That turned into two years and then 10 years," he said. He worked for years at the famous Smithfield Meat Market, starting at 5am each day.

His passion for the sport was rekindled two years ago when he was watching pool on TV land Audrey asked him whether he had considered picking up his cue again. Wayne said: "I told her I wasn't bothered. But she said I had to because she had entered me into a competition in Bradford. I won it and got £2,300 and I have got the buzz again."

He said he could not recall what the prize money went on but suspects Audrey had some fun spending it. As well as the nickname Ice Man, due to "lack of expression," he was also known as "Sci-Fi Fryer."

"When I first moved to Grimsby six years ago, I was surprised how much people love their pool and snooker. They are very enthusiastic about their cue sports," he said.

He jumped at the chance when the 10-table pool hall and bar at The Lounge became available. Tables can be booked for £7 for an hour and £8 for non-members. Under 16s have to have adult supervision. The Lounge also serves food and there is a licensed bar.

Pool has grown in popularity over the past three to four years. "People come after work. It is like a small community. Everyone is very friendly and that is what we want to keep going," told Wayne.

He proudly carries his John Parris cue which was given to him for his 18th birthday by his mother and father. He said they now cost around £600.

He is seeking sponsorship for any Grimsby area businesses to help him fly the flag for the town on his national tour events. The Lounge is open 11am to 11pm each weekday and 12 to 11pm on Saturday and 12 to 10.30pm on Sundays.