You can play a part in history

It’s not every day you get a chance to play a part in history.

Today we’re giving you just that opportunity to cast your vote to name the new Wear crossing.

Sunderland, of course, has form in name-making history.

The nickname of Sunderland AFC was decided in a vote by the fans in Nineties.

They decided on the Black Cats and the rest, as they say, is history.

This is another chance to play a part in history.

There’s a shortlist of three bridge names and, of course, there’s no pleasing everyone.

If every name suggested had been put up for a vote, however, there’s every chance Bridgey McBridgeface would have won.

Had the internet been as omnipresent in the Nineties, Sunderland may well be playing under the nickname Sunderlandy McSunderlandface! Funny for about a week, but it soon wears thin.

But joking aside, the choice of bridge names that you can decide on do, at the very least, reflect the history of our city.

The importance of this bridge to the economic prosperity of Sunderland is well documented.

It is also an impressive feat of engineering and deserves a name of equal stature.

Northern Spire, Lumen Point and The Prism, each have a certain gravitas and relevance which this crossing deserves.

As deputy council leader Coun Harry Trueman tells us today, the name must, like the bridge itself, stand the test of time. It’s all about pride, history and ambition.

This bridge will form a part of Wearside history for generations to come.

Go on, play your part in history today.