“Local Hero” is the soundtrack of my Newcastle childhood, it’s melody a powerful wave of nostalgia. I remember it as a comforting presence at local half marathons and on hot summer days. The song is more than motivation; it’s an anthem for the underdog, a heartfelt tribute to the essence of the North East. Chris Killip’s photographs from the 1970s and 80s capture the soul of the region, portraying shipyards and fishermen in handknit jumpers with raw, candid honesty. These images, filled with the spirit of the people, geometric shipyard forms and community driven knitwear became integral reference points for the collection. The reengineering of gansey knit stitches into modern silhouettes, using British wools and dead-stock yarns, recontextualises the heritage of the coastline, celebrating what it means to be a local hero.