East Tuddenham-based Alert ID Group is moving into the higher education sector as part of a tie-up with City College Norwich.

Under a deal between the two, set to get under way at the start of the new term next month, more than 14,000 students are being encouraged to sign up to a scheme which will see the company maintain medical records and emergency contacts ready to dispatch them to families and the emergency services in the event of any emergencies.

Alert ID managing director Andy Keats, said while the East Tuddenham-based business already offered a range of products for families, pet owners, as well as sportsmen and women in a separate partnership with former athlete Steve Cram, City College was the first higher educational institute to sign up.

The registration produces an Emergency ID card for each person with the member ID for each person, a photograph and the telephone number for the 24/7 Support Team based in Peterborough.

Medical and emergency contact details can be printed and carried by the student or provided to college staff.

It is aimed at making sure that in the event of an accident either at college, on a trip, or while out and about in the evening, police and medical staff will have quick access to any important medical information while their parents can also be immediately informed.

Mr Keats also revealed that Langley School, in Loddon, near Norwich was also signing up to the scheme.

September also sees the firm launching a Travel ID scheme for holiday makers booking through Travel Lounge, based in Norwich, Great Yarmouth, and Wymondham, and for learner drivers booking sessions with Vince's School of Motoring in the city.

Talks are also under way with bosses of the Center Parcs leisure complexes.

Currently Alert ID Group has a turnover of around �50,000 and employs three people, with a fourth set to join shortly.

But Mr Keats said the latest project had the potential to 'dwarf' that.

'With 14,500 students that's quite considerable,' Mr Keats said. 'Dick Palmer [college principal] was very taken by what we are doing, and nobody else is doing anything like this.

'Normally when you go on a trip you have to fill in a form providing medical details and next of kin contacts.

'We have provided an online solution for that.

'There is a 24-hour support service for the student and staff if there is a problem. All the information is there at the touch of a button.

'On top of that there is an emergency ID card to keep and carry around in your pocket or on a lanyard.

'If need be we can also contact parents and tell them what's going on.

'If we can't get in touch we will keep trying until we do.

'The onus is on the student to keep their records up to date,' he added. 'We have all the medical details about the person – the reason for that is we are able to give out the medical side of things.

'If something changes in their medication, they update it.'

Mr Palmer said the college had already conducted a number of very successful trials with the system and was also keen to stress the benefits to other colleges across the country.

'The Alert ID service offers the college real benefits – giving both staff and family members the assurance that, should a problem arise at anytime, the safety and wellbeing of the student concerned is protected and enhanced,' he said.

'Having the knowledge that the administrative aspect of any situation is totally under control gives our staff the leeway to concentrate solely on situation in-hand and on the students' wellbeing.'