CARDS are being issued in County Durham to under-14s who look older, so that they can prove their age to bus drivers.

Children up to 14-years-old in County Durham are entitled to half price fares, but many youngsters look older than they are and are not getting the concessions to which they are entitled.

To combat the problem, Durham County Council is now issuing them with new cards.

Once teenagers reach 14, they can apply for a Durham County 'IIC Card,' which allows 14-to-16-year-olds to travel half fare on all buses after 5pm on school days and any time during school holidays and weekends.

More than 25 comprehensive schools in the county are issuing the cards to under 14-year-olds.

They can also be obtained by post from the county council by applying to the Public Transport Group, Environmental and Technical Services, Durham County Council, County Hall, Durham DH1 5UQ.

A photograph is needed.