Sergeant Nigel Miller, the police officer who controversially stood as an official at a Premiership match while on sick leave, will be an assistant referee at Third Division clash between Hartlepool United and Rushden and Diamonds tomorrow.

The officer hit the headlines when The Northern Echo exclusively revealed he had been one of two referee's assistants in front of a 40,000 crowd at Elland Road, in a game between Leeds and Manchester United.

Sgt Miller's bosses defended the officer over his decision to officiate at the match, and colleagues said he had acted with his doctor's blessing.

The officer is suffering from stress and did not attend his work place - Bishop Auckland Police Station - for several weeks.

He came under fire from local councillors, who claimed that the police were over-stretched and could not afford to let officers take leave because of stress.