The number of UK homes watching TV on black and white sets has dropped below 12,000, according to new stats by the TV licensing body.

TV Licensing said that the figure marked a 12% year-on-year drop, with demand for black and white licenses “in steady decline.”

At the turn of the century, 212,000 black and white licences were issued. This shrank to 93,000 in 2003, was less than 50,00 in 2006 and now stands at 11,550, according to TV Licensing.

“Today’s figures show, even in the digital age, more than 11,000 homes still watch their favourite programmes on black and white televisions. We may be on the brink of losing black and white sets to the history books, but older technology will always be replaced by exciting new ways of watching live,” said TV Licensing spokesperson Stephen Farmer.

In the UK a colour TV Licence currently costs £145.50 (€175), while a black and white licence is priced at £49.00. Viewing television without a licence in the UK risks prosecution and a fine of up to £1,000.