TWO Grimsby students have become famous faces in Sheffield after being picked by their universities for an advertising campaign.
Sophie Johnson and Jonny Syer have appeared on buses and billboards all around the South Yorkshire city which advertise Sheffield Hallam University.
One of the billboards, outside the university library, is 80 foot high and they have replaced Olympic gold-medallist Jessica Ennis on another prime spot, welcoming people to the city.
Jonny, 25, is right at the front of the billboard which features six students in total, all from different academic backgrounds.
He grew up on the Willows, went to Whitgift and Franklin, and worked on the docks and at Humberston Fish Factory before deciding to study chemistry.
The avid Grimsby Town supporter is due to complete his degree this summer but wants to go on to do a PHD to pursue a research career fighting cancer and neurological diseases such as Alzheimer's.
However, the keen thespian is also heavily involved in an improvisation society called The Antics, which performs at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival every year.
Jonny said: "I think they picked me because I have really thrown myself into university here and I'm involved in a wide range of activities in Sheffield.
"The Willows Estate has a reputation for being a bit rough and I lived there until I was 20 but this shows that you can still achieve.
"I'm in a play at The Crucible in Sheffield at the moment and have performed at the Fringe Festival.
"I've also been on placement for a top medical company as a researcher to fight cancer, liaising with clients from all over the world.
"I fell in love with science at Whitgift thanks to my teacher Mr Young who really inspired me – and I'm really proud of my home town."
Sophie Johnson, 20, also from Grimsby, was picked as a sports coach for the future after extensive work as a sports ambassador over the last few years.
Sophie said it was "a privilege" to be chosen.
ON THE WEB: Visit this story on www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk to see the story already featured in the Grimsby Telegraph about Sophie.
