Dumfriesshire song writer being followed by Ukrainian president Volodymyr Zelensky on Facebook

A Dumfriesshire pensioner who wrote a song for Ukraine is now being followed on Facebook by President Volodomir Zelensky.

Folk singer Sean Wood penned Zelensky’s Golden Crown in just half an hour.

After uploading it to YouTube, it was picked up by Ukraine Free Radio station.

And when Zelensky himself heard it, he followed retired journalist Sean on social media.

Sean, 70, said: “I wrote the song to the tune of traditional Irish song ‘The Star of the County Down’ in an attempt to keep the Ukraine struggle in people’s minds. “The song has been played on Ukraine Free Radio and the president himself is following me on Facebook, as is the Parliament.

“The Malva Ukranian Choir made up of Ukraine refugees based in Port Laoise in Ireland, have also asked me go over to perform a concert with them on April 28.

“They also heard the song on the radio and loved it because it reminded them of home. It will be an honour to sing it with them.”

After performing with the choir on Sunday, Sean is planning on driving to Ukraine with a van load of musical instruments for school children in Kyiv.

He’s appealing to people to donate second hand instruments before the trip.

Sean said: “All contributions will be gratefully received, from guitars to bodhrans and from tin whistles to fiddles, and you can be sure I will find them a good home.

“I have started fundraising for the trip and although I know it’s a tough time for everyone, within an hour there were enough donations to fuel the vehicle.

“I just want to do anything I can do to keep the ongoing conflict in the public eye.”

To make a donation, visit gofundme.com/f/song-for-ukraine-zelenskys-golden-crown

Listen to Sean’s song at www.youtube.com/watch?v=JrjWfdUXjTU