POO-covered children, colour blindness and easy access to porn are among the most inventive excuses offered by viewers for not having a TV licence.

Some of the most far-fetched excuses offered over the past 12 months by the region’s residents for not having a licence have been revealed.

Among the reasons suggested by residents of Newcastle were “My dog chewed my payment card so I couldn't buy a TV licence," and "I don't require a colour TV licence because I'm colour blind".

More than 94 per cent of UK homes have the correct licence, but a small number of people continue to offer excuses when caught evading payment.

Matthew Thompson, TV Licensing spokesperson, added: “We are effective at catching evaders but it’s not surprising a few of those caught will try and avoid taking responsibility.

“Fewer than two per cent of households only watch catch up TV, so the vast majority of homes still need a TV licence.

“Some of the humour and originality in this year’s excuses provided a laugh for our staff, but behind every excuse is someone who has been caught watching or recording live TV without a licence.

“We would much rather people buy a TV licence, which they can pay for either in one go, or in smaller weekly or monthly instalments, than make an fanciful excuse and face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

A BBC spokesman added: “At just £2.80 a week per household the BBC provides excellent value for money.

“It means that programmes like EastEnders, Strictly, Sherlock, Doctor Who and Match of the Day can be watched by everyone - not a select few.”

Top 10 excuses offered in the region for not having a TV licence

1. "I just turn it on for the buzz. I just like the buzzing noise." – Shildon

2. I've never needed a licence until I took my dog for its blood testing. Since then someone from the BBC keeps breaking into my house and unplugging Sky, so I only plug it in for 10 minutes free Red Hot Dutch a night and it's only freeview so I don't need one." – York

3. “I don't need a TV Licence because I don't watch it. My telly is never off, it's on 24/7. The heat off the TV is good for my plants. It helps them grow if you know what I mean." – Newcastle

4. "I cancelled my direct debit and cannot pay for another, I'm very religious and was too frightened it would come out on a Sunday." – Newcastle

5. "My TV is broken and you can't come in because my son is covered in poo." – Hetton-le-Hole

6. "My ex-husband ran off with the TV Licensing payment card." – Newcastle

7. "I have just arrived from Australia and I must have left my TV Licence behind." – Gateshead

8. "I don't require a colour TV licence because I'm colour blind." – Newcastle

9. "I dropped down dead while in York. I died three times then spent time in hospital so couldn't pay for the licence." – Hartlepool

10. "I couldn't pay because I'm on a curfew for biting a copper’s ear off." – Alnwick