ANGLERS fishing without licences have been warned following the latest blitz by the Environment Agency.

A two-day clampdown by the agency in the North-East found 51 anglers fishing waters without permission.

In all, 1,455 anglers were checked by Environment Agency officials. Those who do not possess a valid licence face fines of up to £2,500.

Dr David Clarke, head of fisheries at the Environment Agency, said: "If they have purposefully gone out to fish without a licence they could face prosecution and a hefty fine.

"It gives us no pleasure to do this. It means we've failed to make them realise that when they fish without a licence they aren't just cheating the agency, they're cheating their fellow anglers out of money that would have been ploughed back into the sport."

The Environment Agency says that, despite a number of licence dodgers being reported, the North-East has the lowest evasion rate of any area in the country.

Steve Chambers, regional fisheries officer, said: "Anglers across the region have shown themselves time and time again to be responsible people who care about their environment.

"It's just a shame that there are still a few who choose to fish without a licence."

The agency has started an advertising campaign, fronted by football legend and keen fisherman Jack Charlton, encouraging anglers to stay within the law.

The cost of a licence varies on its length and the type of waters fished. They are available from post offices or by phoning (0870) 1662662.

For more details log on to www.environment-agency. gov.uk/fish