Students in Huddersfield have been warned to make sure they have a TV licence to watch live television – or face a fine of up to £1,000.

The warning comes as figures from TV Licensing reveal that more than 25,000 adults under the age of 25 – including more than 150 in the Huddersfield HD postcode area – were caught watching live TV without a TV licence during the 12 months to September this year.

More than 80% of first-year students at universities are under the age of 25 – while 99% of students own a device capable of streaming live TV.

TV Licensing spokesman Paul Williams said: “With nearly all students owning at least one device capable of showing live TV – such as a laptop, smartphone or tablet computer – they should know the law around being correctly licensed.

“If you’re watching live TV on any device, including mobiles and tablets, you need a TV licence.

“Students and young adults need to be aware of their legal responsibilities.

“Anyone caught watching TV without a TV licence can face prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.”

Mr Williams said students who were worried about paying for a licence should get in touch.

“We know some people struggle to pay and there are many payment options available, from paying in one go to spreading the cost over the year,” he said.

Students living in halls of residence and watching live TV in their room will need their own TV licence.

Students in shared houses will also need their own licence if they use a TV in their room and have a separate tenancy agreement.

Shared houses with joint tenancy agreements require only a single licence for the home.

Mr Williams said: “TV Licensing makes every effort to ensure students know about their licensing requirements.

“It regularly supplies informative literature and posters to universities and colleges up and down the country.

“Any student who is in any doubt about whether or not they need a licence should call 0300 790 6090 or visit:

www.tvlicensing.co.uk/students