GRIMSBY MP Austin Mitchell believes the town can weather the current economic climate, as it continues to feed the nation.

That was the verdict of the veteran representative as he toasted more investment in the fish processing industry – this time at Coldwater Seafoods.

Just days after Young's revealed a 20 per cent increase in frozen food sales, partly down to people changing shopping habits, Mr Mitchell was launching £1.5-million worth of investment in development kitchens and new creative opportunities on South Humberside Industrial Estate.

He said: "It is a real pleasure to see economic investment here. The 700 jobs in two plants are a big part of our workforce and underline the reputation in the seafood industry.

"In this area we have a concentration of skills, expertise, training, research and marketing facilities now when you look at Humber Seafood Institute, Grimsby Institute and Seafish all together.

"It is the best form of economic development with firms competing and learning from each other.

"Things are going to be tough for the next few months and firms like Coldwater are going to have to do what they do already, develop new dishes, with more attractive presentation, new recipes and new species.

"Grimsby is okay in depressed times. Everyone has got to eat and we can build on that."

The kitchens were designed by Grimsby designer Hayley Hodson, working with Steve Hilldrith Interiors, and the day saw a recipe competition with Grimsby primary schools Lisle Marsden, Wybers Wood and The Leas, in Waltham, launched.