MORE than 200 people were caught watching television without a licence in Boston during the first six months of the year it has been revealed.

Figures released by TV Licensing show 209 viewers put themselves at risk of prosecution and fine of up to £1,000 between January and June.

A total of 177 people were caught watching programmes illegally in neighbouring Spalding during the same period while almost 209,000 fell foul of the rules across the UK as a whole.

TV Licensing spokesperson Mark Whitehouse told the Target: "The vast majority of people in Boston pay their licence fee and to be fair to those who pay we have to be firm with those who attempt to get away without paying.

"We take TV licence evasion very seriously and, while we give people every opportunity to pay, we will not hesitate to prosecute if people continue to break the law.

"We understand that some people find it difficult to pay their licence fee in one go, which is why we offer numerous ways to spread the cost, including monthly Direct Debit, which can be set up very quickly online, and a weekly cash payment plan."

A colour TV licence costs £145.50 and is required by anyone watching or recording programmes as they are shown on television, whether they are using a television set, computer or other equipment.

For further information on how and where to pay the licence fee log on to at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info