THE number of TV licence dodgers in Huddersfield this year has fallen.

But it is still not time to celebrate, as TV Licensing's 2003 League of Shame shows Huddersfield is still sixth in the Yorkshire league.

This is down from fifth last year, but 496 people were caught using TVs without licences in the last 12 months.

TV Licensing has a database of more than 28m addresses, which records whether a property in the UK is licensed.

This means inquiry officers visit properties only where there is no record of a licence. The team also has access to detection equipment, including detector vans and handheld scanners.

TV Licensing spokeswoman Deborah Copeland said: "Although this is perhaps the only league where it's good to be relegated, evaders in Huddersfield are still losers, because they have been caught breaking the law and remain in the top 10 in the Yorkshire League of Shame.

"It is unfair to the honest majority of people who have bought licences that this unwanted accolade has been awarded to their town," she added.

"Those who are caught risk an appearance in court, a fine of up to £1,000 and court costs, as well as the price of a licence.

"It is a tough penalty to pay."

More officials have been appointed to track down the cheats.

For more information on concessions available and ways to pay, phone 0870 241 5590 or visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk

A colour TV licence costs £116.

THE Yorkshire blackspots for TV licence dodgers last year. In brackets are the positions of the cities and towns in 2002:

1 Leeds.........................4,882...(1)

2 Sheffield....................4,192...(2)

3 Hull............................3,836...(4)

4 Bradford....................3,652...(3)

5 Barnsley...................... 650...(6)

6 Huddersfield................496...(5)

7 York..............................453...(7)