THE REAL MIDDLESBROUGH
Green
Middlesbrough is one of the greenest places in the UK. It was named an Environment City and won an International Energy Globe Award for its work on environmental issues. The area has 92 square metres of greenery for every resident. Some of Europe's most celebrated countryside is on the doorstep with two national parks, the North York Moors and the Yorkshire Dales, and a spectacular coastline 30 minutes drive from the town centre.
Industry
We are proud of our history of science and power. Wherever you look in the UK, the chances are you'll see a little bit of the Boro - whether it's the nylon in your clothes, the steel in your buildings, the electricity in your homes or the food that flourishes thanks to our fertiliser. Middlesbrough is at the heart of one of Europe's biggest industrial complexes - with huge steel and petro-chemicals works and the country's second biggest port. The UK and the world have relied on our industry for decades - and still do.
Captain Cook
Captain Cook came from Marton in Middlesbrough. So it's him you've got to thank for Aussie soaps and Boro keeper, Mark Schwarzer. The Sydney Harbour Bridge is made from Teesside steel. To learn more about Captain Cook, please visit the Captain Cook Birthplace Museum in Stewart Park, especially in October when ten days of celebrations take place.
Teesside University
Middlesbrough has one of the UK's fastest-growing universities - the University of Teesside with 20,000 students. It has invested £70million on its campus in the last decade.
New developments
Visitors to Middlesbrough are staggered by the number of new buildings going up. The £19million Middlesbrough Institute of Modern Art (MIMA) and the country's largest public square are nearly complete and there are plans for a tower block that will be the region's tallest building.
The town is bidding to win a casino licence whilst the area of Middlehaven is home to the Riverside stadium and is set for further jaw dropping development.
Brains
Britain's brainiest pupil, Rachel Grandey, who got 17 A* GCSEs, comes from Middlesbrough.
Fashion
Move over Harvey Nicks, Middlesbrough's Psyche department store on Linthorpe Road has won the two top awards in the UK fashion industry and has an international reputation. Moreover, Linthorpe Road is developing a reputation for its fantastic cutting-edge independent shops and boutiques, including award winners such as Triads.
Expertise
Middlesbrough's Animex festival is one of the top international events in the world of animation. There are also plans for a Digital City to attract animation, computer and design companies to the town.
Famous Boro people
Famous sons and daughters of the area include: singer Chris Rea, magician Ali Bongo, actor Stephen Tompkinson, actress Wendy Richard (formerly of Eastenders), comedian Bob Mortimer, artists Mackenzie Thorpe and William Tillyer, singer Paul Rodgers (of Free and 'All right now' fame), England and Durham cricketer Liam Plunkett, the band Journey South and three of the four members of the classical string quartet, the Brodsky Quartet. Football immortals include Wilf Mannion, George Hardwick, and, of course, Brian Clough.