KEIGHLEY-district anglers are being urged to ensure their next catch isn’t a deadly one.

Northern Powergrid is warning anyone fishing on the area’s waterways to be wary of overhead power lines.

The electricity distributor issued the plea to coincide with National Fishing Month, which begins today (July 27).

A leaflet has been produced and the company is offering anglers a free tackle-box sticker, which includes safety advice and outlines what people should do in an emergency.

Geoff Earl, for Northern Powergrid, said: “Every year in the UK there are cases of fishing equipment coming into contact with – or too close to – overhead power lines, causing horrific burn injuries or even death.

“It’s incredibly important to make sure you look up and look around and behind you, and that you unpack and set-up your rod at the water’s edge.

“Always keep in mind that power lines on wooden poles can carry up to 132,000 volts and remember carbon fibre conducts electricity.

“This means that lethal currents can pass through almost all fishing rods and poles. Rods don’t even have to touch or hit power lines for you to receive a shock, as electricity can jump gaps.”

To download a copy of the Look Up It’s Live leaflet, and for a tackle-box sticker, visit northernpowergrid.com/Look-up-its-live.

More details about National Fishing Month can be found at nationalfishingmonth.com.