Some of the workers involved in one of the UK's longest ever industrial disputes are to appear in a new S4C drama.

Filming has begun in the Caernarfon area on 'Y Streic Fawr' ('The Big Strike'), which marks the 25th anniversary of the Friction Dymanics strike.

86 workers at the car parts factory, previously known as Ferodo, walked out on 30th April 2001 in a dispute over changes to their pay and working conditions.

They were sacked eight weeks later by controversial American owner Craig Smith - but the workers stayed on the picket lines for almost a thousand days until just before Christmas 2003.

The workers won an industrial tribunal against Friction, but they never receieved any damages - and the owners were never formally punished by the UK Government.

Ffion Dafis, writer of 'Y Streic Fawr', said it was important to record a story that is "so signiciant to Caernarfon and its people".

“About two years ago, I read an article about the Friction Dynamics strike. Llyr Morus and I were working on another idea at the time, but at the end of one meeting I mentioned the article to him and said I felt it was important that we document the strike."

"One conversation led to another, and I began meeting the strikers themselves. Through them, I have come to know their stories, and those have shaped the script. I am very proud that three episodes will record this history - a history that’s an integral part of our community in North Wales."

The new three-part drama is being directed by Huw Chiswell with the main cast including Rhodri Trefor as Tomi Jones, who began as a shop steward before becoming a full-time officer for the Transport and General Workers' Union (TGWU) in North Wlaes.

Gruffudd Glyn plays Gerald Parry, who spoke at protest rallies during the strike and Rhys ap Trefor plays John Davis, who represented the 86 workers in court.

MônFM presenter Emyr Gibson also appears in the cast, alongside Carwyn Jones, Sion Eifion, Catrin Powell, Manon Wilkinson and Betsan Ceiriog.

But several of the ex-Friction workers who went on strike will also appear in the series, with the script drawing on their own experiences throughout the dispute.

Llyr Morus, producer, said: "As someone who was brought up in Caernarfon, who remembers sounding the horn when passing the workers on the picket line and going to the rallies on Y Maes, being able to tell this story - and the fact that the former employees have trusted Mojo Productions to do so - is a privilege."

"The sacrifice made by the 86 men and women twenty-five years ago was enormous. That sacrifice led to change securing better working conditions for future workers, so they deserve our deepest thanks. Marking this history is important in order to educate future generations - ‘Us today, you tomorrow."

"To this day, the impact of the strike can still be seen in Caernarfon, with friendships, families and communities torn apart. It is important that this story is told honestly, with balance, humour, wit and passion of the people of Caernarfon."

Gwenllian Gravelle, drama commissioner for S4C, added: "Y Streic Fawr powerfully brings to life the story of one of the most bitter industrial disputes in modern Welsh history; a story that still burns because of the deep injustice at its core."

"This production does more than simply look back - it challenges, it  demands attention. With gripping, high-tension drama, it shines a light on the truth, ensuring it doesn’t fade away or disappear."

Y Streic Fawr is due to be broadcast on S4C later in the year.