BOBBIES on the beat in Norfolk have a new look - and the force's latest uniform comes in any colour, as long as it's black.The makeover coincides with the launch of a new way of policing the county which bosses hope will bolster the frontline and see more officers on the streets.

BOBBIES on the beat in Norfolk have a new look - and the force's latest uniform comes in any colour, as long as it's black.

The makeover coincides with the launch of a new way of policing the county which bosses hope will bolster the frontline and see more officers on the streets.

From now on, police will dress head-to-toe in black with “wicking” shirts and lightweight trousers. The only exception is a new-style high-visibility jacket.

Dog handler PC Rachel Bowers was the first to model the new uniform alongside police dog Telik. Officers were consulted over the new kit and it is hoped it will prove more practical and durable for 21st-century policing.

However, those in desk jobs and working behind the scenes will continue to wear the traditional uniform.

A new crest has also been designed and the force has a new motto “our priority is you”, which will be introduced in coming months. Norfolk's three existing policing areas have been replaced with one unit covering the entire county. The force says this will see a more consistent service and will cut down on bureaucracy, freeing up officers for the frontline.

The new unit is made up of seven policing districts which are similar geographically to the existing district-council boundaries. The districts, each led by a superintendent, consist of 52 neighbourhoods with their own dedicated teams.

The structure doubles the number of inspectors on the frontline and sees an increase in the number of sergeants on the ground.