GET one or get done, that is the tough new message to TV licence evaders in Bolton.

An advertising campaign has been launched across the borough as more inspectors than ever take to the streets to track down people who have not paid their TV licence.

It comes after 1,137 evaders were caught in Bolton in the last six months.

Enforcement inspectors say they will turn up at homes in a bid to catch evaders while they watch their favourite programmes such as Coronation Street and Eastenders.

Cllr Barbara Ronson, leader of Bolton Council, said: "A TV licence helps to pay for a variety of programmes, from soaps to sci-fi and dramas to documentaries.

"If you don't have a TV licence and use a television to watch or record programmes then you are breaking the law. If you have difficulty paying there are several schemes which can help."

A new generation of unmarked detector vans have also been introduced so that evaders will not even know they are in the area.

The vans are so powerful they can tell if a television is in use in as little as 20 seconds.

High profile posters, which will appear on buses and bill boards, are to be plastered across the borough warning people to buy a licence or risk a court appearance and a fine of up to £1,000

It is illegal to watch any television programme without a valid TV licence.

TV Licensing is also running an educational programme so that residents in the target area know their legal obligations and the range of payment options available to them.

A number of payment schemes are in place to help people spread the cost of a licence which is £121 for a colour TV.

Deborah Copeland, spokesperson for TV Licensing for the North, said: "We want to encourage as many people as possible to get a licence before they get a knock on the door. There really is no excuse for not paying."

To pay for a TV licence, call 08705 22 66 66.