Panel choose shortlist of names for Sunderland's New Wear Crossing

The people of Sunderland are being invited to play their part, with the final choice going out to public vote ahead of the crossing opening in the spring.

An independent panel made up of Sunderland people and members of the business community met at the bridge site recently to draw up a final shortlist of three possible names. Members of the public will be able to vote on-line and using a form printed in the Echo. Keep an eye out on social media for #namethebridge.

The option which attracts the most support will become the official name of the New Wear Crossing.

It is hoped the new name will reflect the city's history and reputation as an enterprising and innovative place, while also making a statement about the city's ambitions and aspirations for the future. And with the bridge designed and built to last at least 120 years, its new name must also be able to stand the test of time.

Black Cats legend Jimmy Montgomery was delighted to be invited to join the panel.

"It is an honour," he said."I am Sunderland born and bred - I have lived all my life around this area and seen it develop."

University of Sunderland graduate Dominic Murphy is founder and MD of IT firm Geek Talent, which works to match businesses and employees. "It is a privilege to be asked," he said. "All the engineering careers that have been started here, all the different jobs that have gone into building the bridge, that is a big part of what we do."

The youngest member of the panel was 17-year-old Lucy Robinson, from Moorside, who is one of the city's Tall Ships Race ambassadors. "I am really happy to be here," she said. "It's so rewarding for me to be here as part of this, with all these people who have made such a difference to Sunderland."

Paralympic gold medal swimmer Matt Wylie said: "I feel quite privileged to be here. The bridge is one of the best things that has happened in Sunderland."

One member of the panel has a very personal link to the bridge - civil engineer Amy Wright, part of the construction team on the New Wear Crossing site. "It is very satisfying to see it nearing completion," said Amy, 27, from Fatfield. "I am really proud to have been part of it."

Work began on the New Wear Crossing - Sunderland's first bridge across the River Wear in more than 40 years - in May 2015. It is Phase 2 of the Sunderland Strategic Transport Corridor, which aims to improve links between the A19 and Sunderland City Centre and the Port of Sunderland. The new bridge will also open up land for regeneration along the south side of the river, help to create jobs, and reduce congestion around the city.

Sunderland Echo managing editor Gavin Foster said: "It was great to get together with some of Sunderland's most influential people from a variety of backgrounds and sectors."We had an open and frank discussion and listened to constructive comments. "We didn't consider these names lightly and we're hoping the people of Sunderland will take at least one of them to their hearts and come forward and vote."