STUDENTS at Holmfirth High School have become consumer guinea pigs.

They have become the first in Kirklees to receive new proof of age cards.

The cards are being issued to older students and feature their photo, date of birth and the date of their 16th and 18th birthdays.

The cards were launched in West Yorkshire after traders admitted they found it difficult to establish the age of young customers.

The cards will make it harder for under-age youngsters to buy alcohol and cigarettes. This will hopefully lead to a reduction in anti-social behaviour across the district.

The scheme is being run by the West Yorkshire Trading Standards, who aim to issue cards to all secondary schools in Kirklees by Christmas.

It is paid for by the Kirklees Community Safety Partnership, which includes the council, police and fire service.

Kirklees Cabinet member Clr Ann Rastrick said: "We are well aware that under-age alcohol consumption, graffiti and inappropriate use of fireworks are problems which need addressing in order to reduce anti-social behaviour in some areas.

"This scheme will help traders and young people to do their bit to reduce these problems."

Chief trading standards officer Martin Wood said: "We believe the three-year funding by the partnership will mean the provision of a particularly successful proof-of-age scheme."

Huddersfield police commander Chief Supt Barry South said the scheme would have a major impact on trouble-makers.

He added: "We receive many calls about youths causing a nuisance. In many cases their behaviour is fuelled by alcohol and access to restricted goods such as fireworks.

"We are keen to work in partnership with trading standards, retailers and other organisations to improve the quality of life for people living in Kirklees.

"At present, the only conclusive forms of identification available to youngsters are passports and driving licences.

"Birth certificates give no guarantee the person producing it is actually that person.

"This scheme will ensure that 16 to 18-year-olds have a credible way of showing their age," added Chief Supt South.