BRAILLE is being added to the identity cards of the people responsible for maintaining the gas supply network in Cornwall.

Wales & West Utilities has taken the step in an attempt to helping protect visually-impaired householders from bogus callers.

As part of its work, the company runs the gas emergency service across the South West and Wales, repairing thousands of gas leaks each year.

The new Braille wording on the identity cards reads ‘call 0800 316 0478 to check my identity’.

All the firm’s staff carry identity cards which customers are urged to check before letting them into their homes.

The company keeps a register of those most in need, which includes more than 45,000 customers with some form of visual impairment.

Customer manager Elaina Cook said: ‘Adding Braille to our identity cards is our way of making sure we can communicate with as many customers as possible, and to make sure that they are kept safe from the risk of bogus callers.

‘We urge any householder who has a visit from the “gas board” to check the person’s identity by calling 0800 316 0478, if they are unsure.

‘Genuine Wales & West Utilities staff will not mind waiting while these checks are carried out.’