They're the people of Wearside who made sure life had a smile on its face.
The characters who made their mark on the world - some through sheer hard work, some through their amazing lives and some whose personalities we just loved.
There's Jack Reay who sold hot potatoes to the people of Sunderland in all weathers - and always dressed in a suit.
Nana Iris was a social media hit and her outspoken views were loved by millions of people.
Margaret Shipley was a Sunderland crab seller from 11 years old and was still doing it in her 70s.
That's just for starters. Find out more in our Echo archive tribute.
There's Jack Reay who sold hot potatoes to the people of Sunderland in all weathers - and always dressed in a suit.
![Francis Marshall, in 1971, with his horse Rudolph which he hired for his daily round of estates in Sunderland.
For more than 40 years Mr Marshall collected rags and scrap with his horse and cart.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/01/12/ch6.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
5. Francis Marshall, in 1971, with his horse Rudolph which he hired for his daily round of estates in Sunderland. For more than 40 years Mr Marshall collected rags and scrap with his horse and cart.
Francis Marshall, in 1971, with his horse Rudolph which he hired for his daily round of estates in Sunderland. For more than 40 years Mr Marshall collected rags and scrap with his horse and cart. | se
![When customers used to buy their Echo from newsagent Jack Price, they got a few notes with their change.
Here he is in 1986.
Jack used to sing under the stage name of Rikki Price and in 1958 saw his recording of Tom Dooley win a place in the charts.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/01/11/ch2.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
6. When customers used to buy their Echo from newsagent Jack Price, they got a few notes with their change. Here he is in 1986. Jack used to sing under the stage name of Rikki Price and in 1958 saw his recording of Tom Dooley win a place in the charts.
When customers used to buy their Echo from newsagent Jack Price, they got a few notes with their change. Here he is in 1986. Jack used to sing under the stage name of Rikki Price and in 1958 saw his recording of Tom Dooley win a place in the charts. | se
![Painter Brian Moore, with his distinctive top hat and tails and silver-topped cane, became known as the Sunderland Spectre.’
Originally from Yorkshire, Brian had lived in Sunderland for more than 40 years.
The pensioner was a regular fixture on the pub and club circuit around Sunderland and passed away aged 77 in 2016.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/02/8/ch9.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
7. Painter Brian Moore, with his distinctive top hat and tails and silver-topped cane, became known as the Sunderland Spectre.’ Originally from Yorkshire, Brian had lived in Sunderland for more than 40 years. The pensioner was a regular fixture on the pub and club circuit around Sunderland and passed away aged 77 in 2016.
Painter Brian Moore, with his distinctive top hat and tails and silver-topped cane, became known as the Sunderland Spectre.’ Originally from Yorkshire, Brian had lived in Sunderland for more than 40 years. The pensioner was a regular fixture on the pub and club circuit around Sunderland and passed away aged 77 in 2016. | se
![All of Wearside loved Nana Iris who became a social media sensation in 2018 when she was in her 90s.
She was a straight-talking great grandmother who was admired all over the world.
She died in 2020 aged 92.](https://www.thestar.co.uk/jpim-static/image/2023/08/01/12/ch7.jpg?crop=3:2&width=640)
8. All of Wearside loved Nana Iris who became a social media sensation in 2018 when she was in her 90s. She was a straight-talking great grandmother who was admired all over the world. She died in 2020 aged 92.
All of Wearside loved Nana Iris who became a social media sensation in 2018 when she was in her 90s. She was a straight-talking great grandmother who was admired all over the world. She died in 2020 aged 92. | se