Anglers, fishery owners and landowners in Devon and Cornwall have been reminded about the dangers of overhead power lines.

The warning was made by the Energy Networks Association, which is funded by the electricity and gas transmission and distribution companies.

The association said every year cases are reported of angling equipment contacting overhead electric power lines.

Some of these incidents have resulted in horrific burn injuries, and even in death.

And according to the Energy Networks Association, the main cause of these accidents is a lack of awareness on behalf of the angler.

Findings from inspections suggest there are considerably more minor or 'near miss' incidents that are occurring that should but never get reported, the association warned.

Peter Coyle, Energy Networks Association: "Overhead electric power lines are often difficult to see, particularly at night and against a dark or very bright background."

The increasing length of carbon fibre fishing poles has often been a factor in these unfortunate incidents, it added.

In recent years, the number of incidents has been reduced, mainly as a result of campaigns supported by the electricity industry, angling groups, landowners and the tackle trade.

But every year throughout Devon and Cornwall, fishing line is found hanging from overhead electric power lines with no report of incident or injury.

At the higher voltages, electricity can jump short distances through the air. This means it may not be necessary to touch an overhead electric power line with a fishing rod or pole to suffer an electric shock and severe burns that could lead to death.

Peter Coyle, Energy Networks Association head of safety, health and environment, said: "Electricity is a vital form of energy in today's high technology world.

"Distribution of this energy requires an extensive network of overhead electric power lines which cross all parts of the UK.

"Electricity is also carried along overhead lines for specific uses such as transport.

"Overhead electric power lines are often difficult to see, particularly at night and against a dark or very bright background.

"They are normally bare (not insulated) and can be mistaken for telephone wires, with disastrous consequences.

"Currently the higher voltage lines normally have yellow 'Danger of Death' warning notices fitted to the poles or towers but lower voltage lines may not be marked. At higher voltages electricity may jump short distances through the air.

"This means it is not necessary to touch an overhead electric power line to suffer an electric shock and burns which could result in death.

"Fishing rods and poles made from carbon fibre and similar materials will conduct electricity. Many other materials will allow electricity to flow along them when they are wet."