BBC BOGEYMEN; MP raps 'crude' kids' show.

Byline: STEPHANIE BUSARI

THE BBC last night defended its children's TV show Dick And Dom In Da Bungalow after an MP branded it "lavatory" humour.

Tory Peter Luff invited Culture Secretary Tessa Jowell to use his computer to view the website for the programme which urges children to say "bogeys" louder and louder in public places then phone in to tell viewers about the experience.

Mr Luff said: "You can join me in playing How Low Can You Bungalow, a test to see your response to grossly embarrassing personal situations, largely of a lavatorial nature; Pants Dancers in the Hall of Fame, photos of children with underwear on their heads; Make Dick Sick, a game which I think speaks for itself; and Bunged Up, in which you play a character in a sewerage system avoiding turtles' poos coming from various lavatories." Mr Luff asked: "Is that really the stuff of public service broadcasting?"

Last year, presenter Dominic Wood was rapped by media watchdog Ofcom for wearing a T-shirt with a sexual slogan on the show, which is broadcast on Saturday mornings on BBC1 with an average audience of 600,000 and on Sundays on the CBBC channel.

Ms Jowell told Mr Luff it was "the BBC's job to determine standards of taste, decency and appropriateness". Last night the BBC said: "The show and presenters won children's Baftas in 2004. It is pure fun and entertainment, aimed at eight to 12-year-olds, so it is unsurprising that it doesn't appeal to some adults.

"We have many letters and emails of appreciation for the show, from both children and their parents.

"We do take our role as a public service broadcaster very seriously.

"Any criticisms are always looked into but have to be addressed in the context of the target audience for the show and its remit to entertain young children."

CAPTION(S):

PANTS: Dick and Dom