The contract, which has started with an initial order of 1,000 cards, will see PCS produce a new Proof of Age Standards Scheme (PASS) standardised design for Cards 4U, which will include the PASS hologram of authenticity.

The Cards 4U ID looks like a regular plastic card but has multi-layered hidden security technology, including an image visible only under UV light.

Also incorporated within the card is PCS’ and technology provider Voyager Blue’s patented contactless card shielding technology, which was unveiled earlier this year.

The technology prevents contactless bank cards from ‘skimming’ and permitting accidental payment.

“We’ve worked with Cards 4U before on other projects. The firm’s director Rob Rostron loved this product and he’s out there now pushing it himself,” said PCS sales director Adam Unsworth.

“Cards 4U wanted something that would differentiate its ID cards in a competitive market. The shield technology gives the card a dual purpose; it’s not just an identification and proof of age card, but protects the user’s financial interests as well.”

PCS, which has 52 staff and a turnover just short of £5m, has already secured two other major contracts for its Shield technology.

Danish car insurance company GF Forsikring will incorporate the technology into 200,000 customer membership cards while UK retailer Go Travel is selling the Credit Card Shield in supermarkets and shops including Boots, Halfords and Dixons.

“It’s early days but the reaction has been very good so far. Go Travel has come back for a reorder quite recently and is starting to export it to Australia so it’s slowly, but surely, starting to gather momentum,” said Unsworth.