Sunderland is located on the banks of the River Wear in the north-east of England.
It was once a prosperous port and had a thriving shipbuilding industry. Its economy now relies on car manufacture, the university and providing a base for call centres.
The locals are fiercely proud of their city and are known as 'Maccems,' a legacy from shipbuilding days. They should not be confused with Geordies who are residents of Newcastle. Failure to make this distinction can result in a ruck or scrap.
The city's football team are one of the most fanatically supported in the country and play in the premiership. They play at the Stadium of Light.
The city has undergone significant regeneration over the past decade and boasts a new glass centre, dry ski slope, ice rink, galleries, museums, pubs, clubs and restaraunts.