A POET has written a pageant for the residents of Middlesbrough based on their nickname.

Smoggy has long been a name levelled at residents of Middlesbrough.

The term has its roots in a comment made by Edward, Prince of Wales, the future Edward VII, when opening Middlesbrough Town Hall amid a fume-filled atmosphere of 1887.

The then Mayor of Middlesbrough, Major Dickson, told his royal guest: "We have not much of a past to speak of; but we look forward to having a great future.

"If there is one thing more than another Middlesbrough can be said to be proud of - it's the smoke.''

Major Dickson then told the prince that smoke equated to prosperity and jobs.

Now, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the town's creation as a borough, poet Andy Croft has written a people's pageant called Smoke and says the term is a proud legacy.

"I have just turned what was a term of abuse on its head,'' he said.

"As the mayor of the time said, where there is smoke, there is work.''

Mr Croft has worked closely with the community and children from several schools will be taking part in the celebration.

Councillor David Budd, Middlesbrough Council's cabinet member for leisure and culture, said: "It's really important to celebrate our history and I'm delighted that many children had the opportunity to discover in a fun way more about the story of their own town.''

Smoke will be performed at Middlesbrough Town Hall on Wednesday, at 6pm.

Details about tickets are available by telephoning (01642) 815181.