POLICE they are proud to be offering their support to Sunderland Pride once again as the city’s streets are painted with a rainbow of colour for the seventh year running.

The parade will begin from the city’s Civic Centre at noon on Sunday, with a Street Carnival in Park Lane from 1pm to 6pm.

Officers from Northumbria Police will be in the city centre to enjoy the annual event and make sure those going along have a great time and to minimise disruption for visitors to the city.

Superintendent Steve Heatley, who has recently joined the force from the Met, said: “I’m really looking forward to my first Sunderland Pride and honoured to be opening Pride Breakfast on Sunday morning, it promises to be a great event and I’m sure there will be a fantastic atmosphere in the city.

“We’re always keen to build on our relations with our local communities and it’s important to us that our LGBT+ community knows they have our support.

“We’re very proud our officers will be involved in the event on Sunday and know they will have a great time.”

Northumbria Police and Crime Commissioner, Dame Vera Baird QC, said: “Sunderland Pride is a fantastic celebration and is a great time for us to raise awareness of our commitment to supporting all communities.

“There is absolutely no place for homophobia, biphobia or transphobia here.”