Police fly gay flag at festival

Officers from Devon and Cornwall's police force are to officially support a gay pride event in Cornwall.

Members of the force's Gay Police Association will attend the county's first gay pride event, Cornwall Pride 2008, in Truro on Saturday.

The event at Victoria Park will feature stalls, dancers, singers, comedy acts and circus workshops.

Chief Constable Stephen Otter said he was personally adding his support to the organisers and participants.

Diversity promotion

The coordinator of the Gay Police Association of Devon and Cornwall Police, Simon Hill, said: "We will be flying the GPA flag at Truro police station on Saturday in support of the first Gay Pride Parade through the streets of the city.

The force said it was "strongly committed" to supporting the lesbian, gay, transsexual and transgender people of Cornwall.

Chief Constable Otter said: "I would like to personally add my support to the organisers and participants of Cornwall Pride 2008.

"Devon and Cornwall Constabulary is pleased to be associated with the promotion of diversity."

Pride committee chairman Christian Diamant said: "It is very exciting that in just a few days Cornwall will see its first countywide Pride festival.

"Not only this, but we have recently found out that it is going to be a first for the UK as well, as we are the only countywide Pride event in the country."