Success born in the Boro

Middlesbrough has changed beyond recognition in recent years with Teesside University, the first ever modern University of the Year, at its heart.

New facilities and buildings are transforming the town creating an inspiring place to live, work and study, and no-one is more proud than some of the Boro’s successful sons and daughters.

Singer-songwriter Paul Rodgers, born in Middlesbrough and the founding member of bands Free and Bad Company, says Middlesbrough is always home and where his family and friends still live.

‘I went to London and came back with a band called Free then Bad Company and then Queen. I am very proud to come back as an Honorary Graduate at Teesside University.’

Internationally renowned artist Mackenzie Thorpe, who shot to fame with his square sheep paintings, is always emotional when he returns to Middlesbrough: ‘It’s coming home when you see the Transporter Bridge.’

And he is thrilled Teesside won University of the Year in the Times Higher Education awards: 'The University has become a centre of excellence, attracting both national and international attention for its outstanding facilities and achievements. It is symbolic of a town which has a proud past and a clear vision for a tremendous future.'

Rob Smedley, originally from Normanby in Middlesbrough, now lives in Italy working for Ferrari as Felipe Massa’s Formula 1 race engineer: ‘One word sums up Middlesbrough for me ‘home’. I travel all around the world but Middlesbrough is home.’

Fashion designer Kate Fearnley has designed outfits for The Saturdays, Katie Price and Alexandra Burke, and is based at her boutique in the town: ‘We’re right by the coast and beautiful moors – an added bonus.’

Bestselling author Adele Parks loves returning home to visit her family: ‘My great granddad helped build the Transporter Bridge and was a steward at Middlesbrough Football Club.’

Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon, former England physiotherapist Alan Smith and Boro footballers Andrew Taylor and Sean St. Ledger also add their comments to our video which shows what Middlesbrough means to the people who call it home.

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