Nominations are open for the latest batch of additions to NewcastleGateshead’s ‘Walk of Fame’.
The current 33 bronze plaques are positioned along a riverside route from Baltic Square to the Swing Bridge, across the River Tyne, to the Gateshead Millennium Bridge on the Newcastle side of the water.
Nominees are recognised for their significant contribution to the region over the past 60 years, such as in the fields of business, community, entertainment, medicine, politics, science, sport, or the arts.
They don’t have to originate from the region but must have played a major role in Newcastle and Gateshead life.
Last year’s Local Heroes were Tim Healy (actor), John Grundy (television presenter and author), Brian Johnson (singer and songwriter) and the late Mike Neville, (television presenter).
Newcastle City Council’s cabinet member for culture and communities, Kim McGuinness, said: “The Local Heroes campaign continues to be a lovely way to mark the achievements of people who have made a big difference to Newcastle and Gateshead.
“This is a chance to show that we are proud of our heritage and say a big thank you to those individuals who put Newcastle Gateshead on the world map.”
Cabinet member for culture, sport and leisure at Gateshead Council, Angela Douglas, said: “We already have some amazing people, from all walks of life, whose achievements and legacies are celebrated in our Local Heroes’ walk.
“This is a highly visual and accessible way of acknowledging those people who have not only achieved fame in their particular field, but who have put our area on the map as a place where innovation, invention and creativity continues to thrive and grow.”
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Sarah Stewart, chief executive at destination management and marketing organisation, NewcastleGateshead Initiative, said the project helps to tell the story of Tyneside through its people.
She added: “Situated on the Quayside, the project forms part of an already impressive cultural offer for visitors to the area.
“We attract more than 17 million people from all over the world every year thanks partly to our culture, shopping and food and drink offering, but also our famously friendly people.
“I would encourage the public to get behind the project and nominate their own personal Local Heroes that inspire them and make them proud to call NewcastleGateshead their home.”
Local Heroes nomination cards are available to complete at libraries and customer contact centres across Newcastle and Gateshead.
People can also send in their suggestions by filling in the online form at www.NewcastleGateshead.com/LocalHeroes
Voting is open until February 16.
The Walk of Fame
• Jill Halfpenny (actress/entertainer)
• Stephen Miller (Paralympian)
• Kathryn Tickell (composer / musician)
• Robson Green (actor/entertainer)
• Sister Winifred Laver (missionary)
• Prof Sir John Burn (genetics researcher)
• Cardinal Basil Hume
• Prof Peter W Higgs (particle physicist)
• Mark Knopfler (musician)
• Brendan Foster (long-distance runner/founder of the Great North Run)
• Guy Readman (businessman)
• Lindisfarne (band)
• Alan Shearer (footballer/presenter)
• Alderman Edward Cowen JP (Ned)
• Ant & Dec (TV presenters)
• Dame Margaret Barbour (businesswoman and philanthropist)
• David Almond (author);
• Dick Clement & Ian La Frenais (writers)
• Doreen ‘Granny’ Jardine (community campaigner)
• Jackie Milburn (footballer)
• Julia Darling (writer)
• Ruth Dodds (author/campaigner)
• Sir Bobby Robson (football manager / founder of the Sir Bobby Robson Foundation)
• Sirkka-Liisa Konttinen (photographer)
• Sting (rock star)
• Mo Mowlam MP (politican)
• Lance Corporal Kenneth Rowe
• Brendan Healy (comedian / entertainer)
• Alison Kay (founder of The People’s Kitchen)
• John Grundy (historian/author/television presenter)
• Mike Neville (television presenter)
• Tim Healy (actor)
• Brian Johnson (singer / songwriter)