ID Data, the Lewes-based smart card manufacturer, has won a four-year contract to supply cards for the Post Office card account.

The card production and personalisation is being handled by ID Data and its joint venture partner TTi.

The Post Office card account will be available as part of its universal banking service that will enable customers to continue collecting benefits in cash at local branches from April next year.

The Government will begin to pay all benefits directly into bank accounts.

These accounts will use PIN number technology for transactions.