Vera's leading lady Brenda Blethyn has thanked a Newcastle singer for writing and recording a 'rousing' new Geordie anthem.
Born and bred in the North East, Junior Turner is massively proud of his heritage and, after a tough year for everyone in the music industry, has put his love for Tyneside into a near 4 minute track which has just been released on download and streaming platforms.
With references to the region's famous shipbuilding history and St James Park', described as "the place where Geordies worship, where legends wear number 9," Banks of the River Tyne, which you can watch and listen to above, is packed full of Geordie pride.
READ MORE: Ant and new wife Anne-Marie jet off on 'familymoon' after lavish wedding
And it's chorus can't fail to pull on the heartstrings of anyone who's ever lived or worked in and around Newcastle, with the words: "Take me home to the banks of the River Tyne, take me home to the place that I call mine.
"It's a place I love best, 'cos it's better than the rest, take me home to the banks of the River Tyne."
After hearing the songs, BAFTA winner and Oscar nominee Brenda, who has spent plenty of time in the North East over the past decade to film Vera, was quick to heap praise on Junior, 37, telling him: "Triffic (sic). Heartwarming and rousing anthem to the northeast. Thank you."
Junior cheekily replied: "Be a great song for Vera," while, having also listened to it, Brenda's followers also were quick to commend him on the song.
One tweeted: "Great song ,I was in Newcastle 10 days ago and walked around the city fantastic people," and another reacted: "Fab! Made me "homesick" for #Newcastle that. And found it on @Spotify too. Great song @juniorturner84."
As well as being available to download and stream on the likes of Apple Music and Spotify, CD copies of Banks of the River Tyne are on sale at Geordie Gifts in the Grainger Market, with £1 from each sale going to the NUFC Foodbank.
