Screenwriter Brian Clemens, who wrote shows including The Avengers and The Professionals, has died aged 83.

His son George said he died in hospital in London on Saturday.

Clemens started his working life in advertising before breaking into the film and TV industry, writing scripts for low-budget thrillers.

He wrote the original pilot episode for The Avengers, the cult swinging sixties spy show which made stars out of its cast, including Patrick Macnee, Honor Blackman and Diana Rigg.

Other shows he worked on included Danger Man, Adam Adamant Lives! and The Persuaders, as well as Bergerac and Perry Mason.

He also worked on a succession of Hammer horror films and was working with his two sons on another horror film until his death.

Croydon-born Clemens was made an OBE for services to drama in 2010.