A POLICE force has launched a scheme to increase awareness of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) across its staff.

North Yorkshire Police launched its 'LGBT+Ally' programme as it said it 'aimed' to create a safe and inclusive workplace for staff and officers.

The programme has been designed to encourage staff to learn more about LGBT-related issues, and its internal LGBT community.

Chief constable of North Yorkshire Police Lisa Winward said: "For an organisation to be effective, its people need to be absolutely comfortable in their own skin however, we recognise that for some people it can be difficult to fully be yourself at work, at home, or in your local communities.That’s why we all need allies.

“Being an ally is about being able to listen, ask how someone is doing and be aware that other people’s lives and experiences will be completely different to our own, especially in terms of discrimination and prejudice.

"It’s about being an active friend or support to someone else, regardless of your sexual orientation or gender identity."

"North Yorkshire Police prides itself on providing an open, inclusive and supportive environment where our staff and officers feel they can be their true self at work.

"The launch of our LGBT+ Ally Programme is an important part of this and we hope that it will create not just a more supportive environment for our colleagues but for the communities that we serve too.”

The launch of the inclusive-programme is ahead of the forces' plans to take part in York Pride on Saturday, June 8 and Harrogate Pride on Saturday, June 15.