An idea for a new use for the licence disc holders that every car carries on its windscreen is spreading across the UK, and it could save lives.

The switch from paper tax discs for cars to the new electronic version has meant that the familiar transparent plastic envelopes have become obsolete - but a new idea is that they could be used as an emergency contact information and medical alert card.

Thought up by a Malvern police officer PC Dave Wise, the idea means that is a driver is involved in a collision or has a medical emergency whileat the wheel, a first responder will have easy access to vital medical information and can quickly contact next of kin.

The disc folds in on itself, keeping all the information is kept private until needed by emergency services personnel.