NORTH-East folk legend Alex Glasgow has died in Australia at the age of 65.

Born in Gateshead, the singer-songwriter became the voice of Tyneside during 1960s and 1970s with hard-hitting and wry folk songs.

But he was most famous for his song Dance Ti Thi Daddy, which became the theme tune to the popular BBC TV series When the Boat Comes In.

Mr Glasgow started his career as a freelance reporter on Radio Newcastle. He was well known for his appearances on television and radio programmes including Braden's Beat and Northern Drift.

He moved to Australia because the warm climate eased his arthritis. He died on Sunday following a long struggle with Picks Disease, a form of dementia.

He leaves behind a wife, Paddy, and three grown-up children.