Published on 27 November 2018
“What is so great about Sunderland?”
That was the question on Good Morning Britain presenter Piers Morgan’s lips as he questioned why the city was so appealing to young people.
The outspoken breakfast show host questioned the city’s appeal after financial services provider OneFamily named the city as the best place to live for the under 30s.
But despite the accolade, the presenter seemed dubious and asked viewers exactly what Sunderland could offer young adults – and they answered him in their droves.
Wearsiders and people from across the UK took to social media to tell Piers exactly why Sunderland deserved the title – even inviting him to pay a visit and see for himself.
The University of Sunderland, along with the city’s beaches, countryside, bars, restaurants – and most of all, the people – were all highlighted.
Comments included:
“If you don't know @piersmorgan then get yourself up here and find out! Great place to live, easy transport links, cheap cost of living, everything you need is within a 10 minute car journey. Town centre bars, countryside, beaches, supermarkets, restaurant, cinema, jobs, university….”
“Amazing beaches, countryside and parks (a tad cold though I must admit), fantastic history, lots of culture and friendly people who’d give their last £1 to help someone else”
“Sunderland is beautiful, I only visit, I live in Suffolk which is beautiful, but Sunderland has some of the most beautiful beaches”
“No gang cultures... friendly people. No long commute to work, just people getting on with life, enjoy a weekend of football and beer, what’s not to like”
“The very best thing about Sunderland is that Piers Morgan ain't here. And we all pray he never will be”
“Why doesn’t he come up sometime and have a look”
“@piersmorgan is sick that the best place to live under 30 isn’t in the south!”
There was also a reply from Strictly Come Dancing star Faye Tozer’s husband, who said: “I’ve lived here all my life though and now Faye’s here too, can’t be that bad”
The ratings in the survey were based on incomes, cost of living and how people feel about their area.
When the University of Sunderland team highlighted Piers Morgan’s tweet we were inundated with support from students both from the city and those who have moved to study here.
Leeds, Aberdeen and Liverpool were also in the top five of the survey.