Stripped Tees is a double essay from two excellent writers, novelist Richard Milward and BBC journalist Natalie Hardwick. Born and bred in Middlesborough and Stockton on Tees respectively, they explore the identity of the north east, in an affectionate, revelatory, sometimes angry but always erudite way. 

Hardwick writes of Stockton's proud past, it's changing future and all the trappings that come with redevelopment, council corruption and explotative television companies. She also delights in the local delicacy, parmo, and Stockton's live music and pub culture. 

Milward takes on the Grove estate, Middlesborough, chronicalling his life there and the characters he has seen, weaving social critique, politics, humour and psychogeography together to show you the true fabric of of the town. 

This is essential reading for anyone who wants to know what makes the north east of England tick, this is Teesside; hilarious, hard headed, difficult and direct.