National Mackem Day – a chance to be loud and proud about all of the things that make Sunderland special – is celebrated every August, and we wanted to raise a glass to the city’s most valuable asset; the people who live and work here.
From coal mining and shipbuilding to factory work and retail, we take a look back at the days of some Wearside employers and applaud the people at the helm of the business.
See if you can spot any familiar faces in our round-up, and see which places spark memories for you. Join in with more retro discussion on our Facebook group, Wearside Echoes, here.
1. Binns
So many families always paid a visit to Binns on a shopping trip to town. In this picture, we're going back to browsing the sales in December 1976. Photo: Sunderland Echo
2. Coles Cranes
Sunderland's Northern Spire bridge was unveiled in 2018 - and the Coles Cranes' Crown Works plaque was installed on the approach to the bridge in Pallion. In this picture, we remember Coles Cranes 100th crane in September 1980. Photo: Sunderland Echo
3. Dawdon Pit
Dawdon Pit miners, pictured here in March 1987, pass the million tonne milestone. The colliery closed in 1991. Photo: Sunderland Echo
4. Dewhirst's
Hundreds of staff were employed at Dewhirst's in Pennywell. Here, workers are pictured with elderly guests to a Christmas party thrown by the factory in December 1977. Photo: Sunderland Echo