CHILDREN'S identity cards are to be issued to parents in Ramsbottom.

The ID cards will be the size of a postcard. They will bear all the details needed by the police, such as name, address, date of birth, distinguishing marks and an up-to-date photograph, if the child was to go missing.

The idea, believed to be the first of its kind in the country, has been launched by the Peel Lions.

Jimmy Hill, the club's welfare chairman, said: "This idea was first thought up by a Lions Club in Australia, and we have decided to launch it here.

"The scheme has attracted the backing of the police because it provides all the necessary details about the child, should the youngster go missing. "If something was to happen parents are distraught and in a state of shock and sometimes cannot give the police the information they need. This card saves vital time."

Schools signed up to the scheme so far are St Paul's CE Primary School and St Andrew's CE School which are both in Ramsbottom.

Peel Lions, a Tottington and Ramsbottom-based community organisation, provides the identity card kits to the schools to pass on to parents.

Parents ensure the photograph of their child is updated every year by using one of the pictures taken by the school's official photographer.

Mr Hill explained: "Many parents, including myself, probably don't have an up-to-date clear picture of the child. Most photographs are probably a couple of years out of date.

"We feel these cards are very important because of the age we live in. There have always been weirdos around but there seem to be more today than ever."

If parents would like to sign up to the scheme they can contact their local Lions club or ring Mr Hill on 797 6227.