Young people in the Keighley area could be issued with proof-of-age cards.

The initiative is aimed at stamping out sales of age-restricted products to children -- such as booze, cigarettes, fireworks, solvents and lottery tickets.

The cards would be distributed through schools to young people aged 16-18.

The holder's photograph and date of birth would be displayed on the front, and name and signature on the reverse.

Shopkeepers would be encouraged to refuse sales, where relevant, to any youngsters unable to produce their card.

Behind the scheme in this area is the region's Trading Standards Service, which this week launched the venture in north Leeds following a successful pilot in the east of the city.

And divisional manager Graham Hebblethwaite revealed that Keighley is among areas of West Yorkshire where it is intended to introduce the so-called Proof of Age Partnership.

He said: "This has been a tremendous success and the intention is to roll it out to other parts of the region.

"Every pupil within the relevant age range in participating schools would have the opportunity to possess a card.

"Although the cards cannot be forced on them, we would hope that each student would take one.

"Retailers in the area would be advised about the implementation of the scheme and would be encouraged to foster a no card-no sale culture.

"The partnership would give confidence to retailers and would help young people who perhaps sometimes need proof of their age."

Councillor Graham Clarke, chairman of West Yorkshire Joint Services, which includes Trading Standards, said: "The partnership is going from strength to strength.

"I am pleased to be able to report that we have not received a single complaint relating to under-age sales in the pilot area of east Leeds since the partnership was launched in November 2001."

Mr Hebblethwaite said the precise timescale for the widening of the scheme was not known.

He added that it needed the co-operation and support of the police and schools, plus sponsors to help cover costs.

The venture has been welcomed by 19-year-old Dave Bates, a youth participation worker with Bradford Council, who said it would benefit young people.

He said: "When I was 16-18 years old I found myself a lot of the time at a shop counter with no document to prove my age, and I didn't always have my passport in my back pocket.

"Young people will feel more empowered when asked to prove their age, as the cards are something that you can just carry in your pocket or pop in your wallet.

"It would be a good idea for everyone to have one -- even young people who look old for their age -- as it contains a photograph and could be used as a form of identification."

Chloe Baker, 16, from Haworth, feared the cards could be open to misuse, but she generally supported the scheme.

"I think they are a good idea as young people under 16 will be unable to buy cigarettes, and those under 18 alcohol. It will allow stronger enforcement of the law," she said.

"I would have a card to spare myself embarrassment -- I am not a very tall person!"

The scheme, already operating in some other parts of the country, is overseen nationally by an organisation known as Validate UK, which works in close liaison with Trading Standards departments.

n Anyone wanting to report traders who they suspect are selling age-restricted products to children should phone the West Yorkshire Consumer Helpline on 0113 3848 848.