This Is Tees Valley - Issue 3 | Page 45

Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer .
Vic Reeves and Bob Mortimer
The comedic duo of Vic Reeves ( real name Jim Moir ) and Bob Mortimer are iconic figures in British comedy . Their unique blend of surreal humour and absurdity has entertained audiences for decades through television shows such as The Smell of Reeves and Mortimer and Shooting Stars . Reeves was raised in Darlington from the age of five while Mortimer was born and raised in Middlesbrough .
Brian Clough
One of the most successful and charismatic football managers in British history , known for his outspoken personality , Clough scored 251 goals for his hometown club Middlesbrough but enjoyed his most famous successes after his playing days . Having won the league with Derby County , he led Nottingham Forest to unprecedented success , winning two consecutive European Cups in 1979 and 1980 . His managerial achievements , coupled with his strong principles and witty remarks , cemented his place as a football legend .
Brian Clough .
John Walker
Best known as the inventor of the friction match , Walker was born in Stockton , where he set up a small business as a chemist . In the late 1820s , Walker discovered that a mixture of chemicals could ignite when struck against a rough surface , leading to the creation of the first practical match . Although he was only acknowledged for the invention after his death , it revolutionised fire-making methods and had a profound impact on everyday life worldwide .
John Walker .
Chris Rea .
Chris Rea
Born in Middlesbrough , Chris Rea is a critically acclaimed singer-songwriter and guitarist . His soulful voice and poetic lyrics have captivated audiences for decades . Rea ' s big breakthrough came with his 1989 album , The Road to Hell , and he has now sold more than 40 million records worldwide .
Rory Underwood MBE DL
Middlesbrough-born rugby union legend Rory Underwood is England ’ s record international try scorer . Underwood represented his country from 1984 to 1996 , scoring a remarkable 49 tries in 85 appearances .
Rory Underwood .
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