HAMPSHIRE Constabulary’s top police officer has confirmed he will be joining other officers and staff members in this year’s Brighton & Hove Pride march.

On August 1, Chief Constable Alex Marshall will be the force’s most senior officer to do so after Assistant Chief Constable David Pryde marched in the parade last year.

The parade is part of a festival organised by the lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgendered (LGBT) communities to promote equality and diversity and challenge discrimination.

Mr Marshall said:  “For the last two years, Hampshire Constabulary has been praised in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index for our commitment to both LGB staff and communities.

“As a display of this commitment and show of solidarity, it’s therefore right that we are involved in Brighton Pride.

“The presence of police officers marching at these events has always been well received by LGBT communities and I have given permission for my officers to once again do so in full uniform.”

This is the third year running Hampshire Constabulary police officers have been allowed to march at Brighton & Hove Pride in full uniform.

Last year, more than 90 officers and staff from forces across the country, including Sussex Police Chief Constable Martin Richards and members of the Scottish Association of Chief Police Officers, led the procession through Brighton.