This is thanks to a new book co-authored by one of his former teachers at St Cuthbert's High School, Peter Donaghy. Peter, along with John Laidler, has just published 'Discovering NewcastleGateshead' which contains twenty-six walks around Tyneside, packed with detailed information about local people, places and events.

The authors are giving a free talk about their book at Gosforth Library on Thursday 13 September at 2.30pm. To book a place phone 0191 2771400 or email info@information@newcastle.gov.uk.

Sting says, "This has provided me with a wonderful way to be reacquainted with the rich landscape and historical byways of my Tyneside home". While he is full of praise for the efforts of the authors he couldn't resist expressing his disappointment that "the great borough of Wallsend had been inexplicably excised from the authors' selection" and suggested that it was probably worth a separate book of its own! However, the authors were quick to point out that Wallsend featured in two walks in their earlier book, 'Metro Walks', where they mentioned young Sting's family home.

Peter and John, who have lived all their lives in Newcastle, say that now they are retired they have been able to examine the area much more closely and have discovered countless aspects which they hadn't realised even existed.