A TOTAL of 25 people in the Scottish Borders were caught without a television licence last year - more than eight times the number of offenders from the previous year.

But the region remains one of the lowest in the UK when it comes to watching the box without the appropriate paperwork.

Figures released this week by TV Licensing shows that the Scottish Borders was the third lowest local authority area for offences in Scotland during 2015/16 with 25.

Glasgow topped the offenders list with 2,005, followed by South Lanarkshire with 882 people caught without licences, and East Ayrshire with 774.

There were only three people fined for not having a TV licence in the Borders during 2015/16.

The figures were released this week along with a reminder to students in the Borders that they may be entitled to a discount.

Since April TV Licensing has changed the way refunds are calculated to make it easier for customers to apply.

If students bought their licence last October and moved out in May, they could receive a refund worth around £48.50.

Caroline McCourt, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: "Applying for a refund is quick and easy and we encourage all students who are eligible to take advantage of it.

"It is important students buy a TV Licence at the earliest opportunity when starting university to take advantage of the flexible payment options available to them and avoid a fine of up to £1,000.”

A licence is needed for watching and recording live television and watching or downloading BBC programmes on iPlayer.

To arrange a refund or change address, visit: www.tvlicensing.co.uk/studentinfo, or call TV Licensing on 0300 790 6113.