大象传媒

Michael Dodds is a fifth-generation foyboatman in the port of Sunderland.

His story is part of Radio 2鈥檚 21st Century Folk, where singers write songs about real people from the North East of England.

Day and night, Michael helps ships from around the world to moor on the Wearside docks. His modern role involves high-tech communications, whereas previous generations used small boats, ropes and whistles.

Michael is the fifth in a family line of 'foyboatmen', which is a local word for the job. His son-in-law works alongside him today.

Michael meets legendary Squeeze lyricist Chris Difford, who is inspired by Michael鈥檚 experiences to write a brand new song. Singer Kathryn Williams has written the music, and performs the song to Michael.

The port of Sunderland was, until recently, a place where Ukrainian steel arrived in the UK. Looking forward, it will be where 4000 giant turbines are shipped out to Dogger Bank to build the world鈥檚 largest offshore wind farm.

Chris Difford co-founded Squeeze in 1974. Cool For Cats, Up The Junction, Pulling Mussels (From The Shell) and Tempted are among the songs he co-wrote with Glenn Tilbrook, before embarking on a solo career.

Liverpool-born singer Kathryn Williams lives in Newcastle. She has made ten studio albums and was nominated for the Mercury Prize in 2000.

21st Century Folk is inspired by the classic 大象传媒 Radio Ballads. It sees five real listeners have songs written about their lives.

With presenter Mark Radcliffe.