A CHIEF constable was staying silent yesterday after an embarrassing incident when she tried to buy wine from a supermarket.

As North Yorkshire boss, Della Cannings may be in command of the largest force and control budgets worth millions - but there was no way the checkout supervisor of the Scarborough Tesco store was allowing her to buy the wine while she was in full uniform.

The 1964 Licensing Act prevents traders from selling refreshments to on-duty police officers - including chief constables.

However, Mrs Cannings was allowed to proceed with her purchase, intended for use at an official function, after removing her hat and epaul-ettes and announcing she was now off duty.

"The checkout supervisor was absolutely correct and it was a fair challenge," said a Tesco spokesman.

"Mrs Cannings responded amicably and, once she had removed her hat and epaulettes, everything was sorted out to everyone's satisfaction.

"The supervisor apologised at the time for any embarrassment which may have been caused, but this is standard procedure, although it is not something we have to do every day."

A police spokeswoman confirmed the force was aware of the incident but said Mrs Cannings would not be making any comment.