A pensioner has received two threatening letters warning him to renew his TV licence or face a £1,000 fine even though he bought a licence six months ago.

Mr Chapman, 67, of Thompson Road, Brighton, said he always paid his bills on time and was sick of the unwelcome interference.

He said: "The licence ran out in January and I renewed it with £109 in cash for a year the very same day. I have always paid my television licence fee.

"I do not owe anyone anything yet they are still accusing me. It is all a big mistake and I do not know why it has happened.

"After I received the first letter about three weeks ago I wrote telling them I have a valid licence.

"I did not hear anything back until this week when I received the second threatening letter.

"This one says I could face a fine of up to £1,000 if I do not get a licence and they are going to send someone round to see me.

"I do not know what to do. It has made me very upset. I am scared a bailiff might come to my house and take things away because of it."

Mr Chapman's situation is similar to that of pensioner Marie Baynham who received a formal apology from TV Licensing earlier this month.

The Argus reported on June 3 how Mrs Baynham, of Sackville Road, Hove, had been threatened with prosecution by TV Licensing despite having a valid licence.

A spokeswoman for TV Licensing said: "We are investigating Mr Chapman's case which will receive our full attention. We apologise for any inconvenience caused.

"As soon as we have resolved the matter we will contact Mr Chapman directly."