Leicestershire miners 'Dirty Thirty' remembered in song

"They were in a struggle together and supported each other," said David

Thirty Leicestershire miners, known as the 'Dirty Thirty', have been remembered in a song about the Miners' Strike.

The men remained loyal to the National Union of Mineworkers and refused to cross the picket line in 1984-85.

Songwriter Alun Parry has written his new song 'The Dirty Thirty' after being inspired by a book about the miners.

Alun said: "It's a really great story about courage, principle and standing up for what's right."

Author David Bell from Melton Mowbray published 'The Dirty Thirty: Heroes of the Miners Strike' in February 2009 to mark the 25th anniversary of the Miners' Strike.

He interviewed most of the surviving miners and the women's support group.

The men were the only miners to remain on the picket line. Nearly 2,500 of their fellow mineworkers choose to work.

David was told by one of the miners: "We don't see each other every often, but if ever I was in any trouble I'd have 29 people standing by me."

"They were in a struggle together and supported each other," said David.

"The song reflects the powerful story brilliantly."

Alun said the book "struck a cord" with him. "David let's the people tell the epic story," said Alun.

"It's a huge thing for any human being to do - to stand up for what they feel is right when they don't have that support network around them."