Editor's comment: Mission Impossible not to love our brill city and county

Tom Cruise in Pickering, North Yorks spotted filming the new Mission Impossible film in a tiny Yorkshire village. See SWNS story SWLEtom. The 58-year-old movie star waved and smiled at a group of onlookers and said the weather was ‘lovely’, before speeding off in a slick black BMW at around 10.30am yesterday (Mon). Cruise is thought to be filming the seventh film in the Mission Impossible series, which has been delayed due to coronavirus. Sarah Jones, 46, said it was a ‘lovely surprise’ to see the actor arrive by helicopter while she was on her daily walk with her dog. She said the actor was ‘extremely friendly’ and waved at the group of dog walkers who happened to be on the same field in Pickering, North Yorks., during his landing. Sarah, who runs Pear Tree House Bed & Breakfast nearby, said it was thrilling to see the Top Gun star, as it’s one of her favourite films.

There is just so much on offer and we are incredibly blessed to have it on our doorstep. I know many of us have missed trips abroad during lockdown but, with rules again unclear for the summer months ahead, let’s take a positive approach.

If you were going to take a staycation anywhere or, indeed, stay at home then we are very blessed that this is our spot.

We have even seen top Hollywood stardom show its face (behind a mask obviously) in the form of Tom Cruise filming his latest Mission Impossible movie at various locations. He has popped up in Whitby, Pickering, Scarborough and Derbyshire. Well, who wouldn’t want to see those places and spend time there?

And we are all more fond of any blockbuster or television show which gives us a glimpse of our own home county.

Despite being born and bred in this city – and having a job that takes me to every corner – there are still areas which are new to me. There are also places which are just so wonderful that each visit feels like the first time.

I am the first to admit that I don’t always appreciate it enough – and we all know how good Sheffielders are at moaning – but praise is a skill easily learned. I was part of an online meeting this week which gave me a giggle. An outsider, from as far away as the north of the county no less, had the barefaced cheek to be just a touch disparaging about one tiny element of our city. To be fair, he was only following the lead of people based in the city but he should have known better.

What a ton of virtual bricks fell on him, instantly, from all the Sheffielders on the call. I took great delight in reminding him that while Sheffielders are not good at showing off and probably complain about the Steel City too much, they are the only ones allowed to do that. Woe betide anybody else who dares to say a bad word against Sheffield. We just won’t put up with it, that is an honour reserved only for ourselves.

We will not stand for anybody else knocking this place where we – quietly – love to work, live and play. So do enjoy your weekend and our new supplement. I hope you agree that it celebrates the best of your home city.