Halifax Peace of Mind Campaign

UK's Regional Heroes revealed

The UK’s regional heroes have been revealed in a survey released today by Halifax Home Insurance.

• Heroes of each UK region revealed
• Well known faces chosen as successful in their field and a good role model
• Over one in ten feel proud of their region due to its link to famous faces

Familiar faces such as actress and Gurkha campaigner Joanna Lumley, adventurer Sir Ranulph Fiennes, comedian Billy Connolly and entertainers Ant and Dec, have all topped the polls as modern day heroes for their respective regions.

As part of its Peace of Mind campaign, Halifax Home Insurance has delved into the minds of Brits to identify the inspirational characters and reasons behind what makes people feel truly proud of their region. Put together, the nationwide surveys have resulted in a fascinating map of Britain's regional heroes.

When asked why they chose their hero, the top answer for every region was ‘in recognition of achievements in their field’ – except for those in the North East and London, who felt their choice was a good role model in the modern world. The poll follows recent research which revealed that two thirds of Brits feel a sense of pride for their home region. Over one in 10 people surveyed (13 percent) said they have a feeling of pride for their region due to the fact a famous face originated from their area.

It also seems modern day men and women could be taking the battle of the sexes to a new level. While more men voted for Sir Ranulph Fiennes, Stephen Fry and surprisingly Tom Jones, the female votes went to Joanna Lumley, Julie Walters and JK Rowling. Interestingly however, Northern cheeky chappies Ant and Dec had an overwhelming show of female support in the North East – with over half (51 percent) of the region’s women voting for them.

Martyn Foulds, senior claims manager at Halifax Home Insurance comments: "Having a widely recognisable positive model can prove inspirational, and by voting for their own regional heroes people have demonstrated the respect and admiration that we share for peers within our communities. In the difficult times we currently live in, it is encouraging to see that a sense of pride and community spirit is still strong in many of the UK's regions. We urge people to take every step possible to ensure that their homes and families are well protected so that they can continue enjoying their communities and surroundings."

Halifax Home Insurance’s top tips for protecting yourself and your home:

At home:

1. Fit secure and robust locks to all doors and windows, particularly on the ground floor
2. Don’t leave keys, particularly car keys or those that are labelled with their point of access, visible from outside your home
3. Security lights can alert you to people on your property, and gravel driveways can also help as you will hear people's footsteps as they approach.

When out and about:

1. Be aware of your surroundings. Not just where you are, but who else is around you and how safe the route you are taking is.
2. Make sure you know alternative routes around your home, so that you can make an easy detour if someone is acting suspiciously. Preparation will help to avoid panic.
3. Have your keys to your home ready as you make your approach. This will avoid you having to linger outside any longer than necessary.

Findings from The Peace Of Mind Campaign show that the top five aspects giving Brits a sense of pride for where they live are:

• It’s where their home and loved ones are (60 percent)
• They feel safe in the area (47 percent)
• There is easy access to good amenities (37 percent)
• It’s an area rich in history and tradition (24 percent)
• A strong sense of community spirit (24 percent)

For further advice on protecting the home, and to read the Peace of Mind Report, visit www.halifax.co.uk/peaceofmind.