TELEVISION licence dodgers have shamed Worcester by coming the top of the league - yet again.

The 2004 League of Shame, compiled by TV Licensing Midlands showed 518 Worcester householders were called before magistrates for not holding a valid licence.

And following closely was Kidderminster, where 467 households were found to not have a licence.

Near the bottom of the league was Malvern - 125 properties gambled on not holding a licence.

"This is probably the only league where those who remain at the top of the rankings face stiff penalties," said Mark Whitehouse, spokesman for TV Licensing Midlands.

"We always prefer people to pay for a TV licence rather than be prosecuted, so we are urging all evaders to buy a licence before they get caught," he added.

Someone caught without a licence can be ordered to pay a £1,000 fine and court costs, as well as the £121 for a colour TV licence.

Worcester has topped the league since 2001, beating Kidderminster, Redditch, Malvern and Bromsgrove. In 2003, Worcester achieved its worst strike rate when more than 920 evaders were nabbed.

Permits can be paid for by monthly direct debit, credit card, at the post office or by Cash Easy Entry for people on state benefits.

For more information on the ways to pay, and the concessions available, ring 0870 241 5590, or visit www.tv licencing. co.uk