Arguably more than anywhere else in the UK, the North East of England has had it's fair share of problems in the last few decades.

The closure of the coalmines and the demise of the north east's fantastic ship building industry had a dramatic effect on the economy of the Geordie areas of Durham, North & South Tyneside and of course Northumberland.

However when tough times arrive the Geordie people have always been able to show how resilient they can be and have constantly proved that they can overcome any hurdles put in their way.

When jobs became hard to get many Geordies decided to go and find work in different parts of the UK and abroad.

Many found work in foreign building sites and continued to support their families while all those who stayed retrained for other types of work.

This community spirit and determination means they have managed (just about) to stabilise the Geordie economy and for the most part keep the vibrant Geordie communities intact.