THE creator of TV hit Auf Wiedersehen Pet has sparked a row - after calling his hometown "ugly".

Millions of fans have tuned in to see the latest escapades of Geordie brickies Oz, Dennis and Neville over the past three weeks.

Much of the filming took place around Middlesbrough and its Transporter Bridge landmark.

But film producer Franc Roddam, the man behind the show, has landed in hot water after branding Middlesbrough an eyesore - and he blames it on the town's planners.

Mr Roddam, 53, who lived in Norton just three miles from Middlesbrough, said: "The planners have let it go ugly and I feel very angry about that.

"Newcastle has become a wonderfully fashionable place, while the planners have destroyed the structure of Middlesbrough. They've beaten it up."

He is a big fan of Middlesbrough's 100-year-old Transporter Bridge, which is at the centre of his latest storyline.

"I am very proud because it shows the quality of the craftsmanship of the people on Teesside," he said.

Mr Roddam said he was speaking out of "love and respect" for the area where he grew up.

But Middlesbrough Council chief executive John Foster has called for a meeting with the film producer and new Middlesbrough Mayor Ray Mallon.

He said: "If he is willing,we are more than happy to meet Franc and give him the full picture of what is happening in Middlesbrough."

Les Southerton, of Middlesbrough Town Centre Company, said £30m had been earmarked to improve the town.