EAST Lancashire households have been warned to get a TV licence after being shamed as being among the worst dodgers in the county.

In Lancashire's League of Shame Blackburn comes fourth out of more than 20 towns and cities with 1,349 dodgers in 2002.

And Burnley is placed fifth with 880. First place goes to Wigan (9,492), second to Preston (1,966) and third to Blackpool.

While Burnley has dropped down the league, it had 1,130 in 2001, Blackburn has moved up with around 15 more than 2001.

But when compared to towns in Yorkshire both Blackburn and Burnley only just scrape into the top ten.

The figures in real terms are based on the numbers of evaders caught in the last 12 months. The size of the town is not taken into account.

And while Blackburn was 63rd nationally, Burnley 110th, the top of the league is dominated by cities like London and Manchester.

The authority said it is clamping down by using its database of 26million addresses and specialist enforcement teams with vans and hand detectors that can reach people even in the most remote areas.

It wants to send out a clear message to people so they do not have to meet a £1,000 fine and the stigma of being a cheat.

Phil Reed, TV Licensing's Lancashire and Yorkshire spokesperson, said: "This is perhaps the only league where it's good to be relegated. It is unfair to the honest majority of people who have bought a licence that this unwanted stigma has marred the reputation of their town or city.

"The consolation for those who pay is the knowledge that all those who are caught risk an appearance in court, a fine of up to £1,000, and court costs as well as the price of a licence.

"It is a tough penalty to pay."

"The high numbers of evaders being caught across the UK prove that our detection methods continue to be effective.

Maureeen Bateson, Blackburn with Darwen Council's executive member for consumer affairs, said: "The cost of a licence is expensive.

"But people should look at a number of ways they can pay it and make those arrangements.

"Although we do not condone evasion, we know for those families who are on very low incomes how very difficult it is to pay for it and TV is a major source of entertainment."

Stuart Caddy, leader of Burnley Borough Council, said: "The figures are news to me.

"I would want to wait to see them first, to see if there is anything we can do to assist to reduce that number."

For more information on the concessions available and ways to pay, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk or call 0870 241 5590.