THIRTY-one households in Bolton are still using a black and white TV according to TV Licensing.

Figures released showed that 31 black and white TV licences were in force at the end of September 2019, a slight fall from 35 the previous year.

Across the UK, the number of black and white licences has declined considerably over the last few years.

There were 6,586 black and white TV licences in force at the end of September 2019 - a fall of 575 compared to the same time last year. In 2000 this figure stood at 212,000.

A licence is still needed to watch live TV and stream BBC programmes on iPlayer on a black and white TV or monitor and costs £52.

However, if they are used to download BBC programmes on iPlayer or to record any live TV, then a colour TV Licence is needed. A regular colour TV licence currently costs £154.50.

Tim Downs, spokesperson for TV Licensing in the north, said: “When BBC One launched its colour TV service in November 1969, there were only three channels available.

“Fast forward to 2019, and more than half of TV households have in some way an internet connection to their TV and access to hundreds of channels.

“Whilst only accounting for a very small proportion, it is interesting to know that some households still like to watch their favourite shows on a black and white telly.”

The interesting figures show that despite the rapid growth of smart TVs, smart phones and tablets to access TV content, a number of households in Bolton still appear to enjoy the nostalgia of monochrome TV sets. They remain popular with collectors with vintage and portable TV sets regularly traded online.

BBC One launched its full colour service on 15 November 1969.

The new service was also extended to ITV, bringing them in line with BBC Two, which had been offering colour programmes - including Wimbledon, the Olympic Games and The Eurovision Song Contest - since 1967 under controller, David Attenborough.