Take a closer look at Sussex Police officers and PCSO's from Monday morning (10 May) and you'll notice a bit of a change.

Gone are the classic uniform trousers and white shirts, to be replaced by black cargo-style trousers and modern 'wicking' black zip-necked shirts - blue for PCSOs. However, while it's an incidental bonus, fashion isn't the driving force behind the change.

Looking for a uniform suited to modern operational policing, Sussex Police have joined up with four other south-east forces to standardise the requirement, making significant savings as a result. Sussex alone anticipates a saving of around £55,000 per annum.

First to wear the new uniform were all officers coming on early turn duty on Monday, but it has already been trialled by a number of staff, including Det Insp Nick Porter who, along with seven colleagues, ran the recent Hastings half-marathon in his.

"After more than 13 miles, the uniform was in better shape that I was," he joked. "The run was a stern test of the moisture management qualities of the shirt, but it came through with flying colours and I'm glad to say that the trousers did not result in chaffing anywhere! We wouldn't normally have to chase the bad guys for that sort of distance, but if we do, then the new kit is up to it."

Assistant Chief Constable Nick Wilkinson, who led the team that specified and procured the new uniform, said: "At first glance, our staff are still instantly recognisable as police officers and PCSOs as other elements of their kit including helmets, caps, protective vests and high-vis jackets are unchanged.

"Our aim was to obtain a practical uniform fit for modern day policing and initial staff feedback has been extremely positive about the change. They like the more comfortable fit - female staff now have trousers specifically tailored for them - and the look and feel of the garments has been well received. The new uniforms are better suited to modern policing and promise to be much more durable than our old kit."