POLICE officers in Darlington will assess two new types of lighter, more flexible body armour at the end of this month.

Two types of new protective waistcoats, manufactured by rival British firms, will be field-tested by 50 operational officers in the town before a final decision is made on their suitability.

At the same time, officers will be asked their opinion on the new national police uniform and broader equipment belts, which hold handcuffs, CS canisters, truncheons and other pieces of police apparatus.

The force aims to supply 1,000 front-line officers with replacement bullet and stab-resistant waistcoats by the end of the year, at a cost of about £300,000.

As soon as is practicable, the force will issue the new equipment to special constables, police community support officers and the remaining regular officers - an initiative which could run into the new financial year.

Technological improvements mean the new waistcoats will be more than 2lbs lighter than the current issue, which weigh over 8lbs, but will provide officers with the same level of protection.

The new equipment will be tailor-made for comfort, a feature which will allow specialist officers, such as those involved in firearms, to add to their body armour, giving them increased personal protection.

George Oliver, spokesman for Durham police, said many officers found the old body armour heavy and inflexible.

"Because of its weight, officers who have worn it for a full shift know they have been wearing it, and it rides up when they get into the police car," he said.

"Heavy and inflexible, it does not move with the body. It is uncomfortable for men but more so for women."

He said the new armour would be a big improvement.