POLICE have joined forces with textile students - to design a new uniform for pregnant officers.

Although they cannot perform front-line duties while pregnant, a growing number of female officers are opting to remain in uniform.

But the existing maternity uniform is in need of an update and that’s where the A-level textiles students from King James’ School in Knaresborough came in.

Local sergeant Jane Guymer gave them a brief to design a uniform in line with existing national guidelines, suitable for a pregnant officer from about four months to the end of pregnancy.

Students were given samples of the current maternity uniform and the normal police uniform to use as guidance while also following the advice of pregnant PCSO Rebecca Moorhouse about requirements for comfort and support.

And the new uniform was unveiled at a fashion show at the school with a delighted PCSO Moorhouse modelling the final design.

"I am very pleased with the design," she said.

"It is more fitted around the collar and arms and more roomy around the stomach where it needs to be. I felt a lot smarter and more professional.

Sgt Guymer said: "The design is 100 per cent better than the current uniform. The current blouse is just basically bigger all over which looks ill-fitted. The new design takes into account the changes to a female’s body during pregnancy and allows for this."

Assistant Chief Constable Sue Cross who is keen for the present maternity uniform to be updated, attended the show and was impressed with what she saw.

She said: "Maternity wear has been a real conundrum for the police service for many years.

"If officers and staff have the right uniform they can continue to perform an operational role for a much longer period."