I'M Worcester born and bred - and proud of it.

Over the last 15 years, I have been living in Italy, where carrying an identity card is mandatory.

These ID cards are issued by the local authority and display both your photo and signature - and have to be renewed every five years.

It's never been a problem for me - in fact, in a country where spot checks by the forces of law and order are commonplace, it's a very useful item indeed.

For Italian citizens it also serves as a passport when travelling between EC countries, whereas I have to produce my UK passport.

Still, even in Britain, my Carta D'Identit has its uses. When I am back in Blighty shopping for "Brit" essentials to bring back to Italy and ask to pay by cheque, it is accepted without question.

As one M&S cashier said, "What a good idea! Why don't we have these here?"

Why not, indeed?

JOHN ROE ( former News & Times reporter 1957-61),

13894 Gaglianico (BI)

Italy.