by Andrew Welsh

Thousands of Kent TV viewers are flouting the law by watching programmes without a licence.

The number of evaders in the county - standing at 4,700 - is the highest in the South East, and more than East Sussex, West Sussex and Surrey combined.

Nationally, almost 197,000 licence dodgers were caught in the first six months of this year, but 95 per cent of all viewers still pay.

Hotspots include Chatham (around 410), Gravesend (more than 360) and Gillingham (which topped 340).

Pauline Gillingham, TV Licensing spokesman for the South East, said: "While the vast majority of people in the UK pay their licence fee, to be fair to those who pay, we have to be firm with those who try to get away without paying.

"We take TV Licence evasion very seriously and we will not hesitate to prosecute if people continue to break the law."

She added: "We offer numerous ways to spread the cost, including a weekly cash payment plan, a savings card and monthly Direct Debit scheme, which can all be set up very quickly online."

A colour TV Licence costs £145.50, needed by anyone watching or recording television programmes, whether on a television set, online, or through any other kind of equipment.

But those aiming to avoid this cost risk being charged up to £1,000, and can face criminal prosecution.