LEADING literary figures gathered in the region yesterday to discuss the decline of the short story.

An emergency summit, called Save our Short Story, was organised as the first step in a campaign to rescue the form from extinction.

Among those attending the event at Newcastle's Malmaison Hotel were editors, agents and publishers, including Faber and Faber, Northern Arts, New Writing North and Northumbria University.

It was supported by writers Nicholas Blincoe, Celia Bryce, Nicholas Royle and Matt Thorne.

Delegates heard that despite the enthusiasm of writers and readers, a dearth of publishing and sales outlets in the UK prevented short stories from reaching their potential audience.

The priorities were identified as combating discrimination against the genre and seeking recognition for high quality short stories.

The summit came about after short story writer and Northumbria University lecturer Margaret Wilkinson, from Tyneside, called for the genre to be restored to its former status.

She warned that the discrimination now faced by the short story, which traditionally is used to experiment as well as entertain, may lead to its disappearance.

The summit was led by Jackie Kay, the Northern Arts literary fellow and an acclaimed short story writer.

Mark Robinson, head of film, media and literature at Northern Arts, said: "Newcastle was a fitting location for the emergency summit, given the North-East's strong tradition of supporting the short story.

"Stand magazine, Panurge and more recently Mslexia are all examples of national magazines based in the region which have recognised the importance of publishing short stories.

"Many writers not at the summit have also given their support and ideas. There is clearly a need for some new thinking."

Further events, including a conference, are planned as part of the campaign.