THE region's sea anglers are invited to a meeting tomorrow night to call for action to revitalise the sport.

Angling, which enthusiasts say contributes £37m a year to the North-East economy, has suffered in recent years as stocks are depleted from commercial fishing.

The National Federation of Sea Anglers has organised a meeting at the Railway Club, in Hudson Street, Gateshead, from 7.30pm, to gather ideas ahead of talks with the Government over the sport's future.

A federation spokesman said: "The Government wants sea angling to expand and contribute more to our seaside communities."

The federation is arguing that the minimum size of commercially caught fish should be increased.

The spokesman said: "That would mean more and bigger fish, a big step in making sea angling exciting again in the North-East.

"It would help the struggling commercial fishing industry, as well as anglers.

"Wherever good fish can be caught, anglers will go after them, bringing more business for local shops, hotels, restaurants and petrol stations."

Branch secretary Peter Mantle, of Burnopfield, near Stanley, County Durham, said anglers' ideas would be invaluable in talks with the Government.

Mr Mantle can be contacted on (01207) 271841.