KENT County Constabulary is to be officially renamed Kent Police.

The name change is being implemented as the majority of people already refer to the force as Kent Police, and there is sometimes confusion over the word constabulary.

The fact that the abbreviation of Kent County Council is the same as Kent County Constabulary is also a factor.

Police spokesman Mark Pugash said: "It's designed to recognise the reality that people refer to us as that anyway, and there is evidence that people are confused by constabulary."

Mr Pugash said there would be no extra cost to the taxpayer as signs and labels would only be changed when items would normally need replacing.

The changeover could begin within the next few weeks, but it could take a number of years before all signs are changed.

Mr Pugash added: "If it clarifies things it's a step in the right direction."