BOAT patrols are set to crack down on illegal anglers fishing in the county's rivers.

The Environment Agency is warning license dodgers there will be nowhere to hide as bailiffs take to the water.

John Shannon, fisheries team leader, said money from fishing licences raised much-needed funds to help pay for the upkeep of river environments.

Mr Shannon said: "We are not out to annoy legitimate anglers but to catch those that persistently break the rules.

"The more money we get in from rod licence sales, the more work we are able to do maintaining and improving healthy fisheries."

Environment Agency bailiffs have joined forces with British Waterways to carry out the joint patrols.

They will check for unlicensed and speeding boats as well as illegal anglers.

Mr Shannon said: "We will take a strong line with anyone breaking the rules.

"The agency seeks to prosecute all anglers who fish without a valid licence."

But he added that the threat of boat-patrolling bailiffs should act as a deterrent, and that prosecution was a last resort.

He said: "We would rather have everyone purchasing a licence. Our evasion rates are quite low in North Yorkshire, between five and ten per cent, but we hope to bring that even lower."

Up to six boats are expected to be out at any given time, patrolling rivers across the county, including stretches of the Derwent and the Ouse.

Mr Shannon said: "This is smarter, brighter thinking, working together with other organisations to join forces."

He said persistent offenders were deliberately trying to avoid detection by tucking themselves behind bushes. And an increase in anglers fishing from boats caused an even greater problem for bailiffs working along the riverbank on foot.

Norton vicar, the Rev Bill Ankers, who is a keen angler, welcomed the news. He said: "I think it's a good idea. There are so many people in society who seem to flout the rules.

"Most anglers are working alongside the Environment Agency and I am glad to see something is being done about those who aren't."

Updated: 10:21 Saturday, November 24, 2001