The things you love about living in Sunderland

While there was a touch of romance in the air for Valentine’s Day, we asked you to share the love for Sunderland and shine a light on the best things about our beautiful city.

And there is a lot to love! From our beaches and parks to our people and football club, there is so much to be passionate about in Sunderland.

February 14 may have been and gone, but that’s not going to stop us sharing a little love.

Here are some of your favourite things about Sunderland from the Echo's Facebook page:

June Holmes: “Everything. So lucky to have the coast and country on our doorstep, plus Mackems [are the] friendliest.”

Gaynor Walsh: “The beaches, our beautiful coastline.”

Jacqui Morris: “Everything. I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else.”

Kellie-Marie Pritchard: “Not being from here originally, I love that there's loads for families to do, the beach, it’s cheaper to live here, the people. It’s a big city without the feeling of a big city.”

Ashley Cook: “The community and how people come together in difficult times.”

Jacqui Peverley: “The seafront and our parks.”

Vince Kelly: “The beach, Mowbray, Backhouse and

Barnes Parks, the red brick sculptures on the riverside.”

Ian Flannery: “The people, can't beat Mackem spirit.”

John Barker: “Sunderland AFC.”

Sharon Cleminson: “The care and support for each other and that the good outweighs the bad. Our beautiful green spaces and coastal areas. The history of our ship building and mining industries and the structures that keep the memories alive.”

Ian Patrick Brady, 45, of St Leonard’s Street, Hendon, Sunderland, was convicted of careless driving and admitted driving without a valid licence and insurance. He was banned from driving for six months and ordered to pay a £134 fine, £34 victim surcharge and £150 costs.