Pub may be named after canoe man

John Darwin admitted faking his own death

Back-from-the-dead canoeist John Darwin could have a pub named after him, after calls from former neighbours in the Teesside community where he lived.

Regulars of Sinatra's in Seaton Carew, near Hartlepool, want a planned revamp to reflect the bizarre story, which attracted worldwide publicity.

The 57-year-old admitted faking his own death and fleeing to Panama.

Names suggested so far include Darwin's, The Seaton Canoe, The Lost Canoeist and The Panama.

Darwin walked into a police station five years after being presumed dead when his canoe was found washed up close to his Seaton Carew home in 2002.

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He has since admitted seven charges of obtaining cash by deception as well as passport offences and using criminal property.

Emma Elliott, manageress of Sinatra's, said: "We are refurbishing the pub and the first idea we had was to change the name.

"We asked local people to come up with a name and a lot of the ideas we got are relating to the Darwin's, who lived just a few hundred yards away.

"We've suggestions like Darwin's bar, The Seaton canoe and The panama. So it is looking like it is going to be something relating to him.

"He has been headline news all over the world and we think tourists who visit the area may just pop in for a pint and want to hear more about the story."

Ms Elliott said she hoped to have a selection of canoes on display - but ruled out any pictures of the man himself.

Darwin's wife, Anne, 55, has denied deception charges and faces trial in July.