ANGLERS across the North West could face with fines of up to £2,500 if they continue to flout the law, it was revealed today.

Inspectors at the Environment Agency launched the clampdown after one in ten people across the country failed to provide a valid agency rod licence during the spring bank holidays.

During May, the rate across the North West was shown to be below the national average but officials said there was still cause for concern.

Mark Diamond, the Environment Agency's regional fisheries manager, said: "The recent warm weather has seen our regional fishermen take to our waterways in large numbers but a proportion were angling without rod licences.

"Our intention is to prosecute unlicensed anglers.

"Licence evaders are not only committing an offence but are cheating their fellow anglers who have bought a licence.

"It is a drain on agency resources and means we have less money to improve fisheries for the benefit of all anglers."

Licences are available from post offices or over the phone by telephoning 0870 1662662 and via the agency's website.