The Chief Constable of Police for Kent, Alan Pughsley, has added the colours of the rainbow to his uniform shoulder epaulettes as February marks LGBT History month.

The rainbow is the symbol of the lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender community and Mr Pughsley intends the gesture as a mark of his support for LGBT people and acceptance of diversity within the police.

His command staff are also wearing the new epaulettes. They were worn at a policing event at Oakwood House in Maidstone, where LGBT issues were discussed and will be in place during certain times of this month. They are not a permanent addition to the uniform.

Mr Pughsley was appointed to his post in 2013 having previously been the Deputy Chief Constable.