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.
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