Sunderland is coming up shining, despite Brexit and the pandemic

Investment from Nissan and local businesses is boosting optimism and stemming the drain of talent to the south-east

People who have not visited Sunderland recently may have been surprised at the news on Thursday that Nissan is investing 1bn into a futuristic electric vehicle hub in the city.

Known for its heavy industry and shipbuilding history, Sunderland is overshadowed by its industrial past and may not be the first place that comes to mind when imagining the future of manufacturing. But it should be, according to Patrick Melia, chief executive of Sunderland city council. It's a transforming city," he said.