david mckie stands up for newcastle and gateshead in the guardian:

this has always been a dramatic place: that sequence of bridges from the city towards the sea which has every head turning as the train ambles in from london; the commanding monuments; the curve down the hill in grey street; mysterious, precipitate alleyways, teeming life below as you stand on the bridges; the sudden sight of a mighty viaduct crossing a minor street or a great ship moored at the end of it.european city of culture 2008? i hope so.

i’ve no idea who mckie is but he’s got very good taste in places. he also says of tynemouth (where i live):

if you haven’t been there, seek it out. It’s a gem.