This year's Picture Editors' Awards could yet be saved, with organisers receiving a number of offers of possible help following an announcement that the event would not go ahead.

Glyn Genin, chairman of the awards, said there had been a "very positive response from all kinds of people" and there were a number of possibilities.

This includes a proposal to host the event in Liverpool, put forward by former Fleet Street journalist Ken Bennett, group travel editor for Trinity Mirror Regionals and founder and secretary of the Merseyside Media Network, which runs its own awards scheme.

Ken told HoldtheFrontPage: "I've spoken to the organisers and said we would be keen to host it in Liverpool.

"It is one of the great emerging cities of Britain. This year it is celebrating its 800th Charter Year and next year it is the European Capital of Culture."

He added: "I have spoken to a major hotel group who are very keen and also to the Liverpool Culture Company.

"At this stage it's only an idea but we just don't want to let it not happen - it is the photography Oscars and the most prestigious event of the year.

"Because of the time scale we couldn't do it in March, but we could do it later this year and next year."

Glyn confirmed there had been a discussion about holding the event in Liverpool.

He said: "There is an embryonic discussion going on.

"From an organisational point of view everything is set to go. It really is a question of finding a formula to enable the event to happen."

Stephen Shakeshaft, picture editor at the Liverpool Daily Post & Echo, added: "If moving it out of London means saving the event then why not bring it to Liverpool?

"We have always entered here and been very supportive of it over the years and it has always been a great event.

"It would be great if it could be brought to Liverpool."

It had been announced that the event would not go ahead this year because of a lack of funding.

It had been due to be held on March 26 at the Guildhall, London.

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