WYRE Forest students taking new electronic devices they have had for Christmas back to university after the festive break are being warned they might need TV licences to view programmes on them.

TV Licensing said a licence was needed to watch television as it was broadcast.

Gadgets such as tablets, laptops, MP3 players and the latest phones all offer online access to television programmes.

Mark Whitehouse, TV Licensing spokesman for the West Midlands, said: “Many students will have received gadgets as gifts or treated themselves over the recent holiday. We want to help ensure they stay on the right side of the law.

“You need a TV Licence to watch or record TV programmes as they are broadcast, irrespective of how you receive them, what channel you're watching or what device you are using. If you don’t have a licence you risk prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.

“Buying a TV Licence takes just a few minutes online and students can spread their payments with monthly, fortnightly, or even weekly instalments. To find out more information, people should visit tvlicensing.co.uk/students.”