Campaigners calling for a memorial to a famous Hartlepool cartoonist say political correctness is hampering fund-raising efforts.

Reg Smythe, the creator of Andy Capp, was born on Hartlepool's Headland in 1917 and died in the town four years ago.

Councillor Kevin Kelley wants to erect a statue of the famous cartoon strip hero in memory of his creator.

But Mr Kelley says he has faced criticism that the flat-capped, working-class image of the northern man is outdated and politically incorrect.

Reg Smythe was inspired by his parents and the people he knew and met on the Headland as a young boy

Councillor Kevin Kelley

He says local businesses are reluctant to help raise the �30,000 needed for the statue, despite a local artist offering his services for free.

The tales of work-shy of Andy Capp and his long-suffering wife Flo graced the pages of the Daily Mirror for more than 40 years.

Mr Kelley told BBC News Online the newspaper had offered to help with the cost, but it would only cover a fraction of the total amount needed.

"I just can't believe we are getting this response in this day and age," he said.

"Some people have been extremely encouraging but others say we should not be associating Hartlepool with a male chauvinistic character like Andy Capp, who beats his wife.

"I thought we had moved on enough to know that this stereotypical image of the northern man is outdated and for us to be able to celebrate the creator of such a popular cartoon character.

Reg Smythe was a prolific worker

"The statue would be in honour of Reg Smythe and not Andy Capp. I think people are missing that point.

"Reg Smythe was inspired by his parents and the people he knew and met on the Headland as a young boy.

"It would be a shame if this didn't go ahead.

"Businesses we have approached are very cautious about appearing politically incorrect and are reluctant to be the first to get involved.

"If we could start the bandwagon rolling then I'm sure others would follow."

Enduring charm

Mr Smythe died at the age of 81 in 1998, but the enduring appeal of his comic character has seen Andy Capp appear in 1,700 publications in 48 countries.

He first appeared in the northern editions of the Daily Mirror in 1957 but soon became a national fixture.

Nick Hiley, head of the cartoon centre at the Centre for the Study of Cartoons and Caricature at the University of Kent, said Mr Smythe created an internationally-appealing character.

"I think the enduring charm of Andy Capp is that he does things that people don't want to admit they do, like drinking too much, burping and sleeping it off on the sofa.

"The most characteristic poses of Andy Capp was him asleep on the sofa with his back to the reader. I'd love to see a statue of him in that position."