CHANGES to the borough CitizenCard have made the proof of age card more secure than ever, officials have claimed.

The cards, which are used by thousands of young people across Swindon, now carry a new Home Office approved PASS (Proof of Age Standards Scheme) hologram and a security strip, which make it more difficult to fake the card.

Robert Taylour, public protection group leader, believes the changes are good news for businesses and consumers.

He said: "The PASS hologram allows businesses to be confident when accepting the CitizenCard as proof of age. This means that every bank, shop, bar, cinema, club and retail outlet across the UK will welcome the card as a valid photo ID."

Under a new special offer current holders of the CitizenCard can upgrade to the new card by paying £1, to cover the cost of postage, until the end of September 2003. The normal cost of the upgrade is £4.50 there is also the option to update the photo and the signature that appears on the card.

Trading standards officers will be encouraging local retailers of age-restricted products to accept the new PASS secured cards.

For more information about the CitizenCard visit www.citizencard.com or call 01793 466155.