A trapped seagull, fencing champion, ferry favourite and a South Shields legend had one common link 15 years ago.
They were all in the Shields Gazette headlines and we have revisited their stories - as well as many more - in this round-up of news from this week in 2011.
The rooftop rescue involved a gull which was trapped in netting, while 11-year-old Matthew Dickinson was taking the sport of fencing by storm.
Jackie Mountain was saying farewell as a passenger on the Shields ferry with a last trip.
Stan Mortensen was the Shields-born legend and a scrapbook on his life was going up for auction.
But that’s not the end of it. We also have reminders from Lukes Lane Community School, Joe McElderry who was a royal hit, and a Jarrow man who had his own Olympic moment.
If that’s got you intrigued, find out more by having a browse through our gallery of photo memories and then tell us more by emailing [email protected]
5. Going out on a high
Lukes Lane Community School was set to close the following year but it was going out on a high after gaining a fantastic Ofsted report. Inspectors said it made significant improvement, was ‘good’ with ‘outstanding features’, and congratulated headteacher Tony Watson for his “drive and passion”. | sg
6. Joe wowed the Royal family
South Shields star Joe McElderry was given the royal seal of approval when he entertained the Queen. The 19-year-old X Factor champ sang for the Queen, the Duke of Edinburgh and invited guests at Buckingham Palace. He was performing as part of a celebration of the country’s young talent, and wowed guests with Something’s Coming from West Side Story. Here he is in 2017. | Local Library
7. Matthew's champion performance
Fencing champion Matthew Dickinson was the first North East youngster to win the under-12 age group at the British Youth Championship. He won the England Youth Fencing Championships in 2010, as well as the Leon Paul Junior Series under-11 epee competition for the second year in a row. | sg
8. Flying the flag for our beaches
The flags were flying proudly on a South Shields beach after it once again won environmental awards from Europe and Keep Britain Tidy. Pictured, from left, are South Tyneside Council's Allan Maving, Cllr Tracey Dixon and South Tyneside Council's Richard Jago. | sg