“I have no TV, it’s a microwave” - is amongst ludicrous TV Licence excuses for 2015.

Many from the list have been turned into animations by five of the UK’s leading animation universities in a bid to win a national competition.

All areas of the UK have demonstrated a creative approach to avoid paying the TV Licence fee, including one Taunton resident who claimed - while pointing to a TV on the wall - “I have no TV, it’s a microwave."

Other dubious explanations for non-payment from South West residents this year, include a Dawlish resident who said: “I don't use live TV. You'll have to call back before 12 o’clock because I let my pet parrots out between 12pm and 7pm because they are very aggressive."

Another resident, from Plymouth, said: "I have a Samsung 60 inch curved TV which I only use at night. I put the goldfish bowl in front of it at night and have found this helps the fish get to sleep.”

Richard Chapman, TV Licensing spokesperson for the South West, said: “The students’ animations are highly imaginative but we’re not so impressed with the creative approach to excuses, as watching or recording live TV without a licence is against the law."

In a quest to find the best animated excuse and animation, degree course students in Bristol are among those from five universities taking part in the TV Licensing competition.

Prizes will be awarded for the People’s Choice and the Judges’ Award, made by a panel of animation industry experts.

The winner of the People’s Choice film will be based on the highest number of ‘likes’ received on the TV Licensing YouTube channel, with all films published today (February 8).

Viewers will have until 5pm on 4th March to vote for their favourites.

More than 40 excuses films have been submitted from students across the UK.

View and vote for your favourite animation at youtube.com/tvlicensing

To check if a licence is needed, visit www.tvlicensing.co.uk/info or call 030079-06112.