Twenty households in Powys are still watching television via black and white TV sets, rather than enjoying programmes in colour.

New figures released by TV Licensing show that after more than 50 years of colour transmissions, more than 300 black and white TV licences are still in force across Wales, although numbers are steadily declining.

Despite an increase in the use of huge high-definition flatscreen TVs, tablets, smartphones and smart televisions to access TV content, a surprising number of Welsh households are spurning 21st Century technology in favour of antique monochrome TV sets.

According to this year’s figures, Cardiff leads the way with 43 black and white licences, followed by Carmarthenshire with 28 monochrome licences and Monmouthshire with 23 monochrome licences.

The number of black and white licences issued each year has, however, steadily been declining. In 2000 there were 212,000 black and white TV Licences in force in the UK, but by 2003 that number had shrunk to 93,000. By 2015, the number had dipped below 10,000.

Although it is still possible to buy new black and white televisions, the majority in use are relics from the last century. With the switch to digital TV from analogue having been completed in England and in Wales by November 2012 it is now only possible to watch television on an old black-and-white set using a suitable set-top box.

Fay Jones, spokesperson for TV Licensing, said: “Over half of the UK’s TVs now connect to the internet, so it’s interesting that more than 300 households in Wales still choose to watch their favourite shows on a black and white telly.”

“Whether you watch EastEnders, Strictly or Question Time in black and white on a 50-year-old TV set or in colour on a tablet, you need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or record programmes as they are broadcast. You also need to be covered by a TV licence to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer, on any device.”

A licence is needed to watch or record live TV, on any device including a laptop, tablet or mobile phone. You need to be covered by a TV licence to watch or record live TV programmes on any channel or device, and to download or watch BBC programmes on iPlayer. Find when one is needed at www.tvlicensing.co.uk/infoIf you or someone you know watches TV on a black and white licence and would be happy to speak to a Brecon & Radnor Express reporter then please call the paper on 01874 610111 or email [email protected]