An Essex town is launching a proof-of-age scheme aimed at cracking down on illegal sales of cigarettes and alcohol in response to a concern by young people.

It is hoped the new identity card will help retailers not to break the law by selling to youngsters, and teenagers who have a problem proving their age.

The Colchester initiative follows a request by the town youth forum for a proof of age card to be issued to 16-year-olds.

Every young person will be offered the chance to join and ID cards will be issued in schools.

They are similar in size to a credit card and show the young person's name and age with digitally imposed photograph. The cards are virtually counterfeit proof.

Alcohol, cigarettes, solvents, lottery tickets and fireworks are among goods to be targeted. Gary Telfer, of the Drugs Reference Group, said: "Evidence has shown that in areas where the card is in use, the incidents of sales of cigarettes and lottery products has fallen."

Youth forum member Fiona Radcliffe said: "Many 16-year-olds look younger than they are. This scheme will help them prove their age."

Essex Trading Standards will manage the scheme, with sponsorship from Colchester Community Safety Partnership and Essex County Council.

Tim Young, portfolio holder for housing, community safety and health, said Colchester Council backed the scheme all the way.

"With cigarettes and alcohol and other means of ID, a voluntary scheme like this will assist both community safety and the young people themselves," he said.

The scheme will be launched at St. Helena School, Sheepen Road, Colchester, on October 16.

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