The North East is lucky to have many celebrities and personalities living among its residents. 

From footballers, comedians and actors to musicians, historians and reality TV stars, the region has some big celebrities in its midst. 

But it's also about the celebrities who choose to visit the North East for work or for leisure, many of which are normally photographed when they pop into the region. 

Read more: Council toughens stance on fly-tipping in County Durham

Over the last few months, many celebrities have been seen in County Durham, Teesside, Newcastle, Sunderland, and parts of North Yorkshire, visiting pubs, restaurants, and even car dealerships. 

We have put together seven celebrities who have been spotted over the last few months across the North East:

Paul 'Gazza' Gascoigne

The Northern Echo:

Football icon Paul Gascoigne was spotted at a North East market after surprising stallholders and shoppers earlier this week.

The ex-footballer, who played for Middlesbrough, Newcastle, Rangers, Lazio, and Tottenham among others, shocked those who were lucky enough to be in Stockton Market on Saturday (September 30).

Toby Jones

The Northern Echo:

During its normal service schedule on Saturday (October 14), Spice Lounge in Durham got the chance to serve award-winning actor Toby Jones. 

With the waiting staff and manager of Spice Lounge being blown away by serving such a high-profile name, the venue couldn't resist posting a photo of the actor after he'd enjoyed his meal on Saturday. 

It's understood that the actor was visiting County Durham during his capacity to take part in the Durham Book Festival. which took place in the city this weekend.

Gok Wan

The Northern Echo:

Gok Wan MBE was spotted at Darlington restaurant Babul's last Friday (September 29) grabbing a bite to eat ahead of a DJ gig in Yarm.

The TV star first rose to fame in 2006 with his show How to Look Good Naked on Channel 4, and later became a regular stand-in for now-axed presenter Philip Schofield on ITV's This Morning.

Gok and his friend were originally turned away from the venue after they arrived at about 8.30pm due to a lack of seats. However, the star returned later on, seemingly keen to eat at the venue.

Nick Miles

The Northern Echo:

In September, ITV Emmerdale actor Nick Miles swapped out the Woolpack Pub for Evans Halshaw Renault Sunderland, as he was seen driving away in a new Hyundai. 

The TV star, who is most famous for playing Jimmy King on Emmerdale, has appeared in over 1800 episodes of the soap, as well as making appearances in The Bill and Casualty. 

Hailing from Birmingham, the actor decided to drop into Sunderland to pick up his brand new Hyundai 4x4, which excited the showroom staff in the North East location. 

Dan Burn

The Northern Echo:

Newcastle United left-back Dan Burn was seen on Bank Holiday Monday (August 28) at Performance 28 in Chester Le Street purchasing a new motor. 

Roy Chubby Brown

The Northern Echo:

Royston Vasey, better known by his stage name Roy 'Chubby' Brown, was seen posing with staff at The Old Farmhouse pub in Darlington on Wednesday (September 20).

Sandro Tonali

The Northern Echo:

Sandro Tonali visited Café Italia at Adventure Valley near Durham on Sunday.

The Italian midfielder spent around four hours at the park with his partner and another family with their children who enjoyed seeing the pumpkin festival.

The party enjoyed a meal of Margherita pizza, cheeseburgers and chips with chicken nuggets for the kids.