Novel challenge for new writers

Fay Weldon is among the authors taking part in the BBC initiative

Some of the UK's best-known writers are to give budding authors the chance to write endings for their short stories.

Ian Rankin, Sue Townsend, Fay Weldon and comic Alexei Sayle are among eight novelists who will each write the first half of a short story for BBC Three.

Their work will be published in a leaflet and distributed to coffee shops, libraries and on the internet.

Readers will have six weeks to complete their chosen tale, with the winners showcased on BBC Three later this year.

Some of the eight winning endings - judged by the likes of author Muriel Gray and playwright Kwame Kwei-Armah - will also be broadcast on BBC Radio 4.

This project is very exciting for anyone who has read a book and thought they could do better Stuart Murphy BBC Three controller

Stuart Murphy, BBC Three controller, said the channel wanted to uncover the next generation of writing talent.

"This project is very exciting for anyone who has read a book and thought they could do better," he said.

"With the stories covering a variety of genres, there's something to suit everyone's style of writing.

"This series could change the path of some people's lives for ever.

"We hope it is one of the programmes which unquestionably sets BBC Three apart from other channels in this marketplace."

The series is part of BBC Three's spring and summer season, which will also see a programme which trains eight people to become spies.

Programme-makers have recruited intelligence experts to teach the "spies" the tricks of the trade. The raw recruits relocate to another city and assume a new identity.

The recruits have been allowed to tell only one relative or friend what they are doing.

Tasks include getting permission from a stranger to go into their flat and drink a glass of water with the owner on their balcony, or following somebody they know down the street without being spotted

Spy will be screened this summer.