What a day. What a Valentine's Day.
It was on February 14, 1992, that Sunderland was granted its wish of City status.
There were celebrations across Wearside and a big banner on the Wearmouth Bridge.
We are sealing the memories with this gallery of memories from the Echo archives.
There were celebrations across Wearside and a big banner on the Wearmouth Bridge.
5. One day later
The Mayor and Mayoress, Councillor and Mrs David Thompson celebrating Sunderland's first full day as a city on February 15, 1992.
6. Big day for Alexander
Alexander Lee who was born on the day that Sunderland was granted city status. Here he is with Mayor and Mayoress Coun and Mrs David Thompson, and Alexander's parents Michael and Sharon.
7. It's official
Outside Buckingham Palace in May 1992 were Mayor Councillor David Thompson and chief executive Geoffrey Key on the day they collected the official document to mark City status.
