Between January and July 262 people have been caught without a TV licence with the possibility of prosecution and a fine up to £1,000.

Blyth is in ninth place in the top ten, four places higher than last
year.

TV Licensing's database of more than 29 million addresses allows it to see which properties are unlicensed at the touch of a button.

Enquiry officers also have access to detection equipment, including hi-tech handheld detectors, which were launched a year ago this month.

Charlotte Hancock, TV Licensing spokesperson, said: "No town wants to appear in the league of shame.

"Buying a licence is simple and can be done in minutes online, so there's no excuse for licence-dodgers in Blyth.

"TV Licensing's database shows precisely which properties are unlicensed, meaning enquiry officers can target addresses where they suspect people are watching TV illegally."

For details about spreading the cost of your licence, go to www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info