ANGLERS caught fishing illegally in the region have been landed with fines totalling over £10,000.

Fifty-seven people were prosecuted during November for fishing without a licence, regional Environment Agency bosses have revealed.

In addition to the fines, offenders were ordered by magistrates to pay a total of £6,755 in costs and just over £2,000 in victim surcharges.

A number of the defendants were also charged with fishing during the close season for coarse fish.

Paul Caygill, a fisheries enforcement officer with the Environment Agency, says: "We’re continuing to see offenders receive significant fines for fishing illegally. As these cases demonstrate, we'll pursue through the courts those who fish illegally and won’t hesitate to take enforcement action. 

"All anglers need a valid rod licence. The money raised through the sale of licences is re-invested back into the sport, and illegal fishing undermines the Environment Agency’s efforts to make fishing sustainable.

"Our fisheries enforcement officers routinely carry out licence checks, and we urge anyone with information about illegal fishing to contact us on 0800 807060."

A one-day licence costs from £6, and an annual licence from £30. Concessions are available.

For details, visit gov.uk/get-a-fishing-licence or call the Environment Agency on 0344 800 5386.