Anglers are being warned to avoid a website which charges a �14 surcharge for checking their licence details.

The Environment Agency said it did not endorse the site, which adds a �14 charge for 'checking' applications.

Anglers renewing their �27 licences at post offices or direct with the EA do not face surcharges for checking their details are correct.

Tonight the Environment Agency said: 'The Environment Agency has no connection with this website, nor does it endorse its services.

'The service appears to be legal, however, we would like to point out that the Environment Agency does not require this check when someone buys their licence through the Agency's website, over the counter at the Post Office or over the phone.

'An angler only has to give their name, age, proof of concession where necessary, and post-code and house number – a quick address search completes the rest.'

The Angling Trust said it was raising the matter with Fisheries Minister Richard Benyon MP and Charles Walker, chair of the All Party Parliamentary Angling Group.

Mark Lloyd, chief executive of the Angling Trust said: 'This site offers no real extra service, but demands a 50pc surcharge on top of the rod licence fee and we urge all anglers to spread the word.

'Any unsuspecting new anglers trying to buy their first licence might be put off by the inflated price and decide not to take up fishing.'

Tonight the Environment Agency said: 'The Environment Agency has no connection with this website, nor does it endorse its services.

'The service appears to be legal, however, we would like to point out that the Environment Agency does not require this check when someone buys their licence through the Agency's website, over the counter at the Post Office or over the phone. An angler only has to give their name, age, proof of concession where necessary, and post-code and house number – a quick address search completes the rest.'