Sunderland has produced a wealth of heroes of the local, national, international and unsung variety. Here are just some of names associated with the city. Please note this is not a definitive list and nor does it include our acting and sporting sons and daughters (we promise to sing their praises separately quite soon). It merely attempts to cover a range of backgrounds and generations to suit different tastes.
13. Lauren Laverne
Born in 1978, the former singer turned television presenter is another former St Anthony's Academy pupil. Photo: Ian West
14. David Parfitt
Born in 1958, the former actor co-founded the Renaissance Theatre Company with the then plain Kenneth Branagh in 1987 and went on to produce films such as Henry V, Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and Red Joan. Photo: JPIMedia
15. Sheila Quigley
Born in 1947, Quigley, from Houghton, began work at 15 in a tailoring factory before becoming a successful crime thriller writer. She died in April 2020. Photo: KB
16. Denise Robertson
The ITV This Morning agony aunt dealt with more than 200,000 letters seeking advice. She was born in Sunderland in 1932 and died in 2016 aged 83. Photo: JPIMedia