February 19, 2001 11:05: BIRTHDAY boy Osmaan Saeed turned sweet 16 just in time to be star-guest at the launch of a Proof of Age scheme this week.

Trading standards are introducing the ID cards in High Wycombe as part of a bid to stamp out under-age drinking and problems with age-restrictions on fireworks and smoking.

The move comes after the scheme had success in the Chiltern, South Bucks and Aylesbury Vale districts.

The colourful credit card-sized ID shows the young person's birthdate and when they turn 18.

Its design also includes a distinct hologram to prevent fakes being made.

Osmaan, a pupil at Cressex Secondary School, in Holmer Lane, was among a large turnout which included councillors, police representatives, retailers and Wycombe Wanderers players at Adams Park, last Wednesday.

Keith Edlington, head of Trading Standards in Buckinghamshire, said: "From test cases we have done in Wycombe and areas where the ID card is already being used, we saw a marked difference in sales to underage drinkers."

Rachel Marshall,16, a pupil of The Wye Valley School in Bourne End, said: "Most of my friends think it's a great idea."

She added: "It makes us feel older and more responsible and since they are free what's to lose?"