DARLINGTON has a list of famous residents. Famous Darlingtonians include the former premiership football player Neil Maddison, the ex-Arsenal manager George Allison, film director Maurice Elvey and, of course, the industrialist, Joseph Pease.

Comedian Vic Reeves was brought up in the town and attended Eastbourne School, and the likes of Wendy Craig and millionaire businessman Duncan Bannatyne have also lived in the old Quaker town. Darlington may be small in comparison to places like London and Manchester, but it certainly has links to several famous people, which makes the town a hotbed for producing gifted individuals.

I, for one, look forward to seeing the next one arrive, whether he or she be a pop star or a World Conker Champion.

Christopher Wardell, Darlington.