THE author behind the well-loved North-East drama When the Boat Comes In has died.

James Mitchell, 76, died in Newcastle's Freeman Hospital in the early hours of Sunday after a brief battle with cancer.

Born in South Shields, he wrote more than 70 novels during his lifetime, including many which were turned into television hits, such as the 1960s spy series Callan, starring Edward Woodward, and three films.

His popular 1970s series, When the Boat Comes In, starring Sunderland-born actor James Bolam, brought the region into the national spotlight.

His youngest son, Peter, of Gosforth, Newcastle, where Mr Mitchell lived following the death of his second wife, Delia, said: "When the Boat Comes In was definitely his most important work, as far as my dad was concerned.

"He always thought of the North-East as his home and was immensely proud of the series and the books which went with it."

After leaving South Shields in 1966, Mr Mitchell lived in London until his return to the region 12 years ago.

Peter Mitchell said his father kept working right up to his death.

"There are two When the Boat Comes In novels on the floor in his flat in Jesmond waiting to go to the publishers.

"He was knowledgeable, well read, civilised and, above all else, he was a complete gentleman.

"He will be a very tough act to follow."