TWO men were caught when water bailiffs were on the hunt for illegal anglers.

John Watson, 41, of Lytham Road, Blackburn, and Mark Aston, 41, of Hardman Avenue, Rawtenstall, did not attend court but pleaded guilty by letter to fishing without a licence.

Aston also admitted failing to give his name and address to a water bailiff.

Watson was fined £100 and Aston £200.

Blackpool magistrates ordered both men to pay £70 costs.

Allan Cobain, prosecuting for the Environment Agency, said Watson was caught angling on May 29 at Whitemoor Fisheries, Kirkham.

Aston was apprehended fishing without a licence on May 1 at Greenhalgh Lodge, Kirkham.