This might come as something of a surprise to you, dear readers: the glorious city of Sunderland has been crowned Facebook capital of the UK.

Yes, according to new figures from market research firm Experian Hitwise compiled for a new episode of the BBC2 series The Virtual Revolution, Wearsiders are on the site more often than inhabitants of any other place in the country.

If the news is true then it has surely been a momentous year for Wearside, which has seen the arrival not only of clean drinking water and mains electricity for the first time in its history, but also a football team which may stay in the Premier League for more than one season. [Although, if you're reading this posting after around April time, forget that last bit].

Yes, since being granted city status in the 90s thanks to the compassion of the Queen and as an attempt to haul it into the 21st century, the area which to many is still fondly referred to as the 'Dark Place', has apparently undergone quite staggering growth, to become a thriving cultural hub and technological centre.

However, pausing for thought, and having visited the fair city of Sunderland - where men are men and girls are orange - Sneak wonders whether Hitwise has its facts right.

If there are indeed enough local inhabitants with internet connected devices/the power of cognitive thought to make these stats a reality, what are they on Facebook for? Well, according to the Telegraph, over 8,000 are signed up to over-hyped mackem band The Futureheads, while over 5,000 are members of the city's World Cup 2018 bid group - good luck guys.

Still wondering? Well, as local businesswoman Karen Seafield is quoted as saying: "It does work really well because if, for example, people are getting ready to go out on the weekend they look for where they can get their hair done or have a spray-tan for the night and it helps."

A spray-tan no doubt does help in Sunderland, especially to light the way to the club in those areas still without electricity.

24 Feb 2010