A student has won a luxury weekend away after impressing judges with his top reason why he thinks it's great up North.
Martin Reed, 21, won The Journal and Magic 1152 and Metro Radio competition to find out what people think makes the region so special.
The mechanical engineering student entered into the competition after listening to the radio station ask listeners to suggest their top five reasons why of what it is about living in the North that brings a smile to their face.
Martin, of Jesmond Park Court, Heaton, said in his e-mail: "The North is the right side of the British equator, the people are friendly, the nightlife is the best in the country, life is much more laid back and let's face it - it beats the South."
Now Martin has won a two-night leisure break for two at the De Vere Slaley Hall, near Hexham, Northumberland.
Last night Martin was delighted to have won the trip, but was still undecided about who to take with him.
He said: "I'm so chuffed to have won, I only applied while I was doing my revision and was not expecting to win.
"I'm not too sure who to take yet. I have a couple of ideas, though."
Martin is currently carrying out a work placement with offshore company The Engineering Business in Riding Mill, near Hexham.
He said he was keen to continue living in the North after he finishes a Masters in Mechanical Engineering at Newcastle University which he begins this year.
He said: "It is so much better than the South for so many reasons.
"It's a very attractive place to work in, not just because of the industrial opportunities, but because there is just such a great social scene and a variety of things to do."
In all 15 of The Journal's reasons were supplied by listeners to the two radio stations.
100 Great Reasons... 1. Three North East teams in the Premiership - now Sunderland are back where they belong. 13. Jill Halfpenny, the Gateshead girl turned star of stage and screen - back home this summer at Live Theatre. 30. Tea in the Tree Tops Cafe at The Alnwick Garden. 43. Grey's Monument, commemorating the first steps towards modern democracy and at 135ft, up there with Nelson's Column. Click here to view all 100 Great Reasons
Brian Aitken, Editor, The Journal There are far more than 100 reasons why its great up North - that much is clear. We first published our supplement, 100 Reasons Why Its Great Up North, last September, listing some of the many things that make the North-East a great place to live, work, and just enjoy life a little. read more...
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100 Great Reasons...
Brian Aitken, Editor, The Journal
