A SPECIALIST police unit has been kitted out with new equipment which could become the fashion blueprint for forces nationwide.

Helmet, visor, goggles, thigh-length waders and a grasper are parts of the essential uniform for the elite team of Cleveland Police wildlife officers.

The small squad deals with everything from badger baiting and the smuggling of endangered species to the dumping of pet snakes and missing birds of prey.

The force is ensuring the unit is dressed to deal with any case that crops up and meets all health and safety issues.

PC Rob King, wildlife officer for Stockton for more than eight years, is the first to get a full uniform at a cost of more than £800, including falconry gloves.

He said: "We have gone a step further than most forces, but it is all based on an assessment of what we need.

"There are still some bits and pieces I could do with, but this is pretty much the essential kit, and it could be the blueprint for other forces throughout the country.

"Every part of the equipment is essential to us. I've even got my own chest waders.

" I was once called to rescue a heron and only had wellies and ended up soaking wet.

"I was determined that wouldn't happen again.

"It's as you go on various courses and learn about health and safety issues that you realise the way you did things in the past put yourself in danger.

"This is the way forward. The force has pledged to provide us with the equipment to do the job and I'm sure other forces will follow suit."