SHOPKEEPERS across Huddersfield could soon be getting a proof of age scheme to combat sales of products to under-age children.

West Yorkshire Joint Services - which includes West Yorkshire Trading Standards - has applied to Kirklees Council for cash for the scheme.

It will be run by the Education and Promotions Team of West Yorkshire Joint Services (WYJS).

Team staff will visit all Kirklees schools, pupil referral units and youth centres to talk about the law and issues surrounding age-restricted products like fireworks, alcohol and tobacco.

Proof of Age cards will be given free to all students aged 16 to 18.

The cards feature a photo, taken by the West Yorkshire Joint Services team, the card holder's date of birth, the date they turned 16 and the date they turned or will turn 18.

All these dates will be verified with school records.

Young people aged 16 to 18 who miss out on the cards can pick up an application form from retailers operating the Proof of Age scheme, libraries, community centres, Citizens' Advice Bureaux or from www.wyjs.org

In these cases, a card will cost £2.50.

WYJS staff will also visit Kirklees retailers to brief them on the scheme and to instruct them not to sell to any youngster without a Proof of Age card.

Trading standards officers will get tough on retailers if they continue to sell to underage customers after the scheme is introduced.