A TELEPHONE helpline for gay and lesbian police officers has been set up in Heartbeat country.

In America and Europe, special units like the one being set up here have proved most effective in giving officers confidence, particularly when faced with hate-mail or blackmail directed at gays. But the North Yorkshire police force is the first in Britain to tackle the issue.

The initiative, which aims to support gay officers, and win the trust of the gay community, has been introduced by Peter Walker, an assistant chief constable, who says it will increase respect for colleagues with differences, and help smooth out investigations into crimes against gays in the community.

He said: "It's difficult if they don't trust us".

At least three Hollywood films have focused on gay officers investigating ever-increasing crimes involving the often closed and silent world of gay communities.

Other forces will be monitoring the progress and results in North Yorkshire where the help-line is now advertised on station notice-boards. Apart from other duties, five officers now man the helpline, carrying mobile phones.

The initiative has the support of the Lesbian and Gay Police Officers' Association whose spokesman, Det Sgt Paul Cahill, says that recognising the needs of gay and lesbian staff is "very positive".

North Yorkshire diversity development advisor Kathy Anderson says it is producing useful results. She said: "We are getting reports of serious crimes we wouldn't receive otherwise."

Heartbeat, shot mostly on the North York Moors has become one of the most popular TV series.