Battle of the Giants

This new series begins with the story of how Margaret Thatcher took on two industrial giants in Wales - the nationalised coal and steel industries. It resulted in a battle fought longer and harder than in any other part of Britain. The miners and the steel workers were symbolic of an old trade union-dominated world that Mrs Thatcher wanted to destroy. Union leader Tyrone O'Sullivan and Sian James - who helped feed families on the breadline - reveal the emotional inside story of the miners' defeat. The steel workers were also hit by huge job losses but saved themselves - and Port Talbot - by doing a deal with Mrs Thatcher. Hopes for the future were expressed by Mike Peters who became a national hero in the 80s with his hit 'New South Wales', an anthem to the vanishing world of chapels, choirs and collieries.