Licence dodgers beware. Environment Agency fisheries staff are targeting waterways during the Easter holiday.

All anglers aged 12 or over need a valid licence, and those who fish without one can face prose-cution and a fine of up to £2,500.

The Environment Agency has identified several licence evasion blackspots in the North East.

Cameron Durie, the Environment Agency's regional Fisheries technical specialist, said: "Rod licences are value for money and couldn't be easier to buy. Cheats who fish without them deprive honest anglers of money that can be spent improving habitats for the benefit of anglers and wildlife."

Licences cost £22 for a full non-migratory trout and coarse fish licence and £61 for salmon and sea trout. Concessions and one and eight-day licences are also available.

They are available from any Post Office, the Environment Agency's telephone sales line on 08701 662 662, or the internet at www.environment-agency.gov.uk/fish

Updated: 11:14 Friday, April 18, 2003