Memories of Chris and his school 'gang'

A SCHOOLBOY pal of Chris Rea has shared memories of the popular "leader of the gang" including nods to his love of music and sports cars.

- By NAOMI CORRIGAN

Geoff English attended school with the singer-songwriter who passed away on December 22 aged 74.

From 1957, Geoff and Chris were in the same class at St Philomena's Primary School on Ayresome Street, which was later renamed Sacred Heart in 1963. They were also in the same form class at the boys' grammar school - St Mary's College in Saltersgill - from 1962 to 1967.

Born on March 4, 1951, Chris was the son of ice cream king Camillo. The Rea name was famous all over Teesside for Camillo's ice cream factory and the chain of cafes and coffee bars.

It was in the cafes that Chris worked as a teenager, clearing tables. And he reportedly learned to drive in his dad's ice cream van.

Geoff, who lived on Warwick Street, recalled St Philomena's stood close to the main entrance of Ayresome Park and they would see players coming and going. Some even would engage in a kick about in the street, he said.

Chris was "a popular kid", said Geoff, and was "recognised as the leader of the gang". He told The Gazette: "He had this big social circle which at the time you would call 'a gang'.