Blunder not the first time Tyne is mistaken for Wear

Northern Powerhouse Minister Jake Berry’s geographical gaffe is not the first time Wearside has been mistaken for its Tyneside neighbour up the road.

Our readers were quick to draw comparisons between Mr Berry’s blunder and errors by singers David Bowie and Roger Whittaker.

Bowie infamously greeted the Sunderland audience at his 1987 Roker Park show with the words “hello, Newcastle”.

Further back in time, Whittaker’s lyrics in his hit Durham Town wrongly claimed that the cathedral town was on the banks of the River Tyne rather than the Wear.

The singer later insisted that he deliberately used the word “Tyne” because it suited the song’s rhyme better than “Wear”. Writ- ing on our Facebook page, Alexander Oliver said of Mr Berry: “Bet he loves Bowie.”

Martin Goldsack added: “Maybe he took geography lessons from Roger Whittaker.”

Michael Butler commented: “What an absolute embarrassment. How disrespectful to the people of Sunderland.”

George Rowell added: “Can’t even get the river right and he’s an MP.”

Margaret Armstrong said: “Well that just says it all . The Government haven’t got a clue when it comes to anything to do with the North East.”

Jean Wright wrote: “No surprise there. I wonder if he thinks he lives in a different country to England.”

Neil M Robinson speculated: “Probably the first time he’s been north of Watford.”

Nicola Jane Ellis helpfully suggested: “Next time he comes up here, can someone lend him a map.”