THE GOVERNMENT'S new identity cards were launched in the North-East yesterday, with a Lord Mayor becoming one of the first people in the country to sign up.

Newcastle councillor Margaret Carter had her facial characteristics, iris and fingerprints recorded on the card, which will be carried in a personalised smart card containing both printed and electronic information.

Newcastle is one of four cities to pilot the new cards. Residents have been invited to sign up and have their details recorded at the city's registrar's office.

The UK Passport Service trial will investigate the practicalities of the biometric enrolment process, with 10,000 volunteers across the country taking part.

The trial will form plans to incorporate biometrics in passports and help to build a base for the national compulsory identity cards.

Home Office Minister Des Browne said: "Identity crime is a growing threat to all countries. It costs the UK £1.3bn a year, and facilitates organised crime, illegal immigration, benefit fraud, illegal working and terrorism.

"Only by planning ahead and taking steps to create a modern, secure means of confirming identity, can we ensure that in the years to come we will be able to take on the increasingly sophisticated methods used by criminals.

"The Government is to introduce a compulsory national UK identity card scheme to help to tackle organised crime and protect the identities of British citizens.

"Using cutting-edge technology the cards will link individuals' unique biometric data to a secure national database.

"The trial site being launched in Newcastle is a vital part of laying the foundations for an effective national identity card scheme."