HAMPSHIRE Constabulary is once again joining the Brighton and Hove Pride parade in a show of support for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender communities.

Fourteen police officers and members of police staff are set to represent the force in the march tomorrow.

This will be the sixth year the constabulary’s police officers and police community support officers have been given permission to march in uniform.

This year they will be led by Assistant Chief Constable Laura Nicholson, who said: “I’m pleased to say that once again the force will be strongly represented at Brighton and Hove Pride.

“Our involvement in the parade is a visible demonstration of our commitment and support to our own lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender officers and staff as well as the diverse communities we serve.”

Inspector Julie Fry from the constabulary’s LGB&T Resource Group said: “Having been named by Stonewall as the UK’s top police force for LGB people, it’s only right we once again take a lead at the Brighton and Hove Pride.

“The police forces represented in the march always receive applause from the thousands of people who line the route each year to watch the parade, many of whom are from Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

“We have around 100 staff across the force who are specially trained to support lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender victims and witnesses.

“If you’ve been assaulted, threatened or intimidated because of your sexual orientation or gender identity you can always phone and ask to speak to one.”

l If you have been the victim or witness of a homophobic or transphobic hate crime, you can call police on 101 or 999 in an emergency.