GAY, lesbian and bisexual police officers from North Yorkshire are expected to take part in a gay pride march in uniform for the first time next month.

Several officers from the force will join revellers at Pride in the Park And The Pride Parade, a colourful celebration of sexual diversity at Hyde Park in London.

Police chiefs have given the green light for officers to take part in the Mardi Gras festival dressed in full uniform and participants will be given travelling and accommodation costs.

Diversity officer Kathy Anderson said officers from minority groups were encouraged to "flourish and thrive" within the force, which has at least 20 gay members.

She said: "It's about representing and celebrating the diversity of North Yorkshire Police and of the county. It's often an area of the community that is overlooked as they are not visible."

She added: "It's part of our approach to tackling internal diversity and also for reaching people from minority groups in the community as well.

"We have to get the message out to people in North Yorkshire that they do not have to suffer in silence. We need to tackle these issues but we cannot do so in isolation. If someone attacks you because of your sexual orientation we can help them sensitively and if necessarily, anonymously."

Deputy chief constable Peter Walker said: "We have no reservations about officers attending. Let us not forget that the date is 2003, I for one will not.

"This is an organisation firmly committed to diversity. We are happy to support our colleagues.

"There is no problem at all with officers wearing uniforms, quite simply I know we can totally rely on North Yorkshire officers to at appropriately and with dignity."

North Yorkshire Police is highly-regarded for the quality of support that it gives staff members from minority groups, such as the force's gay group which was established four years ago.

A gay staff helpline, which offers advice and support to gay, lesbian and bisexual officers and support staff, has established a good reputation and is even used by officers from other forces.

The force has also trained a number of officers to be "first contact" representatives, staff members who can be approached for help and guidance on welfare issues.

Officers are also expected to attend the Manchester Europride event in August, which is being touted as the biggest Gay Pride event in the UK this year.

Updated: 10:53 Monday, June 30, 2003