No decision has been made on the future of Britain’s longest-running comic The Dandy, according to its publisher.

Best known for its character Desperate Dan, The Dandy celebrates its 75th birthday this year but circulation has dropped in recent to below 7500, leading to speculation its publisher, DC Thomson, may shelve the title.

Compared to its sister comic, The Beano, The Dandy sells around 30,000 fewer copies each week, with a readership of 354,000 less.

A spokeswoman for DC Thomson said: "We are carrying out a review of our magazines business to meet the challenges of the rapidly changing publishing industry.

"Throughout 2012 DC Thomson is continuing to develop its magazines operation and portfolio to create an efficient business model that will build on the strength of our existing brand and products.

“There are many challenges within the industry at present, but we're excited that the digital revolution has also given us an opportunity to innovate and develop.

“We are celebrating the fact that The Dandy has been in print for 75 years and we have a lot of planning to do to ensure that our brands and characters can live on in other platforms for future generations to enjoy.”