It is a sprawling industrial town on the banks of the Tees, but little over 200 years ago it was a tiny hamlet with just 25 residents sharing four farmhouses. Having been kicked out of Yorkshire in 1968 it became part of Teeside then Cleveland before Yorkshire mysteriously welcomed it back in 1996.

The area became noted for its iron and steel trade during the industrial revolution. By the early 20th century shipbuilding began on the Tees, during the Second World War it became a target for the Germans who wanted to destroy our capacity to produce steel and our rail network.

Arguably the most iconic structure is the Transporter Bridge which was completed in 1911 by Sir William Arrol and Co. Known locally as " The Tranny" and situated on the A178 Hartlepool to Middlesbrough road, it can transport 9 cars or 6 cars, one minibus or 200 people in a cradle (or Gondola) in just 90 seconds. The journey spans approximately 851 feet. It suffered bomb damage during WW2, in 1953 the cradle broke down in a gale and in 1974 the actor Terry Scott drove his car off one of the sides having mistakenly believing it was a normal road but luckily for fans of Terry and June the safety net came to his rescue.

The bridge has been featured on films like "Billy Elliott" and the Third Series of the hit show "Auf Wiedersehen Pet" featured the bridge at the centre of a plot by Dennis, Neville and Oz to dismantle it and sell it to a reservation of Native American Indians. Indeed the footage of its demolition was so realistic the BBC broadcast a message after the closing episode credits that the bridge remained in tact on the banks of the Tees.

Other famous icons from the town include the legendary Don Revie and his arch rival Brian Clough. Clough used to frequent Rea's Cafe which was owned by the family of gravel voiced musician Chris Rea. Free and occasional Queen lead vocalist Paul Rodgers hails from the town as does latest X Factor Whore James Arthur, who claims to be a Boro fan.

Other notable Smoggies include Magician Paul Daniels, the late Wendy Richard (Pauline Fowler in EastEnders), Coronation Street actors Chris Quentin (Brian Tilsley) and Thelma Barlow (Mavis Riley).

Photo: Action Images

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