MAURICE Agis, the creator of Dreamspace, has died, it has been confirmed.

Agis' giant inflatable artwork broke free from its moorings in Riverside Park, Chester-le-Street, County Durham, in July 2006, killing two women and injuring 27 people.

The 77-year-old was convicted at Newcastle Crown Court of breaching the Health and Safety at Work Act by failing to ensure the safety of members of the public.

A spokesman for Mr Agis' law firm told The Northern Echo the artist passed away in Spain on Monday.

No other details have yet been released.

Elizabeth Anne Collings, 68, from Seaham, and Claire Furmedge, 38, from Chester-le-Street, were killed when they fell from the huge sculpture in Riverside Park.

Rosie Wright, now six, of Chester-le-Street suffered a punctured lung, two fractures to her spine and bruising to the brain.