The British film director and restaurant critic Michael Winner has died at the age of 77.

Winner was best-known for his caustic restaurant reviews in The Sunday Times which were written under the title 'Winner's Dinners'.

He also directed and produced dozens of movies including the 'Death Wish' series of action flicks.

His books have included 'The Winner Guide to Dining and Whining' and 'The Fat Pig Diet'.

He is survived by his wife Geraldine.

'Brilliant, funny & generous'

The 77-year-old who made more than 30 films had been ill for some time.

He passed away today at his home in Kensington in London where he was being nursed by his wife.

Paying tribute to her husband Geraldine Winner said in a statement 'Michael was a wonderful man, brilliant, funny
and generous'.

She continued 'a light has gone out in my life'.