Be Part of It with John Foster!

Watch the new BBC Tees TV trail

BBC Tees' John Foster has been asking you to Be Part of It by sending in your favourite spots from across Teesside and County Durham.

We wanted to know where you'd take your friends on their second visit... not the obvious spots, but the real hidden gems.

You've sent in your favourite cafes, walks, and culture spots, and we've still not finished compiling the list.

See below for a few of the top spots we've received in so far.

Some of your favourite cafes include The Lordstones Café near Carlton (pictured below), The Imperial Express in Darlington, and the Organic Cafe on Borough Road in Middlesbrough.

The Lord Stones cafe, picture sent in by Brian Laverick

You also loved the restaurants in the area, rating The Waiting Room in Eaglescliffe, The Marine in Whitby, The Talbot at Bishopton and Terry in Blackhall said: "Bradleys in Blackhall Rocks is the best for me".

When it comes to the great outdoors, you've told us you prefer the coast to coast walk around Danby and the Cleveland hills, and a stroll around Carlton bank, or for Chris in Redcar: "A great walk is along the beach from Coatham to Saltburn."

But if it's romance you're seeking you can't beat a bit of Saltburn pier, or for the more adventurous there's apparently a lovely spot in Great Ayton woods where there is a little semi circle of seats made from tree stumps!

Architecture wise Tracy on Wolviston offered her favourite spot, the Yarm viaduct. Banks on Stockton High Street came up a few times, and of course, the money that's gone in to it made MIMA quite high on the list of pretty buildings in our area.

You have a special place in your hearts for the public art in our area, including the penguins at Redcar, suggested by Drew from Redcar, Winnie in Stockton loves the art on roundabouts, particularly the matchstick on Church Road and the rocket train on Bridge Road.