So here is just a small selection, included with the places they went to school.
9. Dave Stewart
Born in Sunderland in 1952, and attended Barnes Infants and Junior School and Bede Grammar School for Boys. The musician is best known as a guitarist with The Eurythmics, but has been involved in many more projects, including performances and working with new talent in his home city
10. Bobby Thompson
'The Little Waster' was born in Penshaw in 1911 and attended Fatfield School, leaving at 15 to work at North Biddick Colliery before becoming a legendary comedian and entertainer
11. Heather Mills
The businesswoman and former model, previously married to Sir Paul McCartney, attended Usworth Grange Primary School and Usworth Comprehensive School in Washington
12. Jill Scott MBE
The former England and Sunderland footballer, also a TV hit after winning 'Queen of the Jungle' in TV series 'I'm A Celebrity Get Me Out Of Here', attended what is now Monkwearmouth Academy, and recently paid a visit to inspire other celebrities.