Coastal series spotlights North East stories

A new docuseries is shining a spotlight on the people, places and ambitions shaping the North East as it journeys along the region’s 140-mile coastline.

Coastal Walks with Kim follows North East mayor Kim McGuinness from Crimdon Dene in County Durham to the Scottish border in Northumberland, meeting entrepreneurs, sporting figures, creatives, influencers and community champions along the way.

Using the coastline as a backdrop, the series explores issues affecting people who live and work across the region, including child poverty, jobs and environmental challenges.

Guests share their experiences, the obstacles they have faced and their hopes for the North East’s future, while highlighting projects and ideas driving change across the region.

Mayor McGuinness said: “I’ll always champion this region, and I think pride in the North East is what connects everyone up here. 

“This series is all about listening to people who know this region best – the entrepreneurs, campaigners, community leaders and local voices with incredible stories to tell. 

“Pride in the North East connects us, but so does a shared determination to make life better for people here.

“Throughout the walk we talk about all sorts of issues affecting people, like the awful nurdle crisis earlier in the year, men’s mental health, and support for mothers through childbirth and hear directly from people about the challenges they have faced and the future they want for our region.

“There are memorable moments, plenty of laughs, and some truly inspiring conversations along the way.”

The first episode sees entrepreneur and Dragons’ Den star Sara Davies join the mayor for a walk from Crimdon to Blackhall in County Durham.

Their conversation focuses on the challenges facing entrepreneurs and business owners, with Sara discussing the pressure she faced to relocate her business to London.

She also talks about her passion for the North East and the opportunities presented by the region’s growing film and television industry.

Sara added: “The North East is mint. 

“It is my home, and there is nowhere else I would rather do business. 

“But so many people in this region have moved to London to find success. But it is changing. 

“The investment, the jobs and the opportunities are coming, and there’s nobody better to tell you about it than Kim.” 

Further episodes will continue the journey north along the coastline, introducing more voices from across the region.

The first episode is now available here. To find out more about the topics discussed in each episode, visit Coastal Walks With Kim.

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