Staines has come to the forefront in the age old verbal tussle between England and Australia because overseas ad men think it sounds "nasty".

Their sportsman are famous for sledging opponents and now Aussie advertising executives are in on the act following a series of newspaper promos saying "Screw working in Staines, hello Adelaide."

The reason? They have is a skills shortage and they need our professionals' help.

Bill Muirhead, of M & C Saatchi, the advertising firm appointed by South Australian chiefs, said the campaign was deliberately aggressive.

He said: "We went for Staines because it sounds nasty."

Leader of Spelthorne Council Councillor John Packman was bemused they had picked on the riverside town.

He said: "Staines is a very pleasant market town on the edge of the River Thames.

"The chamber would like to have it renamed Staines upon Thames."

Spelthorne's MP David Wilshire has also leapt to Staines' defence and invited Mr Muirhead to lunch, which he has accepted, to show him the town's many attractions and introduce him to some of those who really enjoy working here.

He said: "I understand south Australia needs more people and is a good place to live but I am a little disappointed they picked on my constituency as a place to escape from.

"I accept Staines doesn't have a beach but it does have fine weather - occasionally - fine wine in its supermarkets and a fine university nearby.

"There are also plenty of water sports, on the Thames and the Queen Mary reservoir. We even have our very own Aussie steak house."

What do you think of the Aussie campaign? Post your comments or email newsdesk@stainesguardian.co.uk.