Plaque for Michael Sobell at the Lesiure Centre

Sir Michael Sobell, the benefactor behind Islington's Sobell Leisure Centre has been honoured with plaque at the venue. The tribute was unveiled today by Hilda Rubin, Sir

Michael's daughter.

The centre, built in 1973, was just one of the many projects funded by the businessman and philanthropist, who contributed £1.1million towards the costs of the centre. Around half a million visitors of all ages use the leisure centre's ice rink, sports hall, squash

courts, gym and exercise classes every year.

Cllr Catherine West, Leader of Islington Council, said: "Sir Michael

Sobell's gift made a huge difference to our residents' lives and

continues to do so today. This plaque is a way of recognising Islington's continuing gratitude."

Gaie Scouller, Sir Michael Sobell's

grand-daughter and a trustee of the Sobell Foundation, said: "I know

how thrilled my grandfather would have been to see the centre still in

place, thriving after a generation. May it continue to thrive for many years to come."

Plans to demolish the centre were overturned after this May's elections in favour of a £1.7m refurbishment programme, currently being carried out. The refurbishment programme includes an upgrade of the sports hall, which is

London's largest. The refurbished ice-rink is now open again.

Sir Michael, who died in 1993 aged 101, was knighted in 1972 for his contribution to charitable

works. His donation paid for half the cost of building the Sobell Leisure Centre, with other donations made by the Variety Club of Great Britain and Islington

Council.

Image: DarienGS