12:16PM, Thu Jul 19, 2012

Policing With Pride: Northumbria Force Flying Rainbow Flag

By Ruth Holliday Location: Newcastle

The rainbow flag will fly at police stations in the Northumbria Force area during the Northern Pride festival on Saturday July 21.

The event is the region’s largest annual free lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) celebration.

A Pride march starts from Newcastle Civic Centre at midday, going through the city and finishing at Exhibition Park.

A number of Northumbria Police officers and staff will join the march.

Other officers, including PC Sue Beattie from Newcastle City Centre Neighbourhood Team, will be attending the picnic and talk to people from the LGBT community about any concerns they might have.

For more information on the event click here

Chair of Northumbria's Gay Police Association Sergeant Claire Lawson, said: "We're pleased to once again be attending this event and looking forward to speaking to members of the LGBT communities, hearing their ideas and concerns.

"We'll continue to build on the already good relations we have with these communities and help further improve confidence across the force area.

"We'll be flying our flag at the Northern Pride event this weekend providing a visible police presence and if anyone wants to speak to police about any LGBT issues please feel free to approach our officers and talk to them - we're here to listen."