Place names can be a minefield of mispronunciations, especially when their spellings suggest something completely different from how locals pronounce them.

For those of us venturing into unfamiliar territories -- or even just tuning into the local weather forecast -- getting these names right is a point of pride and a sign of respect for regional heritage.

But let's face it: English place names often feel like a game of phonetic roulette.

The North East, with its rich linguistic history and distinct regional dialects, is no stranger to this challenge.

Towns and villages often have names rooted in Old English, Norse, or Celtic, creating pronunciations that defy modern spelling conventions. Here are some of the most commonly mispronounced North East locations and tips to avoid the pitfalls:

19 'tricky' location names in County Durham, North Yorkshire: