CHRISTMAS puddings and miniature bottles of whisky from the Queen are among gifts received by Norfolk police officers in the past year.The food and drink, along with a �20 set of silver coasters, were given to the team and chief inspector in charge of protecting the Royal household at Sandringham.

CHRISTMAS puddings and miniature bottles of whisky from the Queen are among gifts received by Norfolk police officers in the past year.

The food and drink, along with a �20 set of silver coasters, were given to the team and chief inspector in charge of protecting the Royal household at Sandringham.

Other gifts to officers have included boxes of chocolates, biscuits, and a painting, all from grateful members of the public.

The records for the financial year 2008-09, released under the Freedom of Information Act, also reveal how much businesses and organisations are ploughing into sponsoring police initiatives. Sums include more than �18,000 from the University of East Anglia and more than �14,000 from City College Norwich towards police community support officers (PCSOs).

A UEA spokesman said: “We take the security of our campus very seriously, and, in addition to our own security staff, pay for the services of a dedicated PCSO. The officer gives advice on a range of policing and security issues, with particular respect to crime prevention, includ-ing postcode-stamping bicycles and other personal property. He also liaises with other PCSOs in the vicinity to share information and intelligence, ensuring a safe and secure campus for our staff, students and visitors.”

The Norfolk force's Broadsbeat scheme had a range of sponsors, from Broom Boats and AR Peachment (�1,000 each) to Roys of Wroxham (�2,000), Norfolk Yacht Agency (�750) and the Broads Authority (�4,255.32).

Meanwhile, Norfolk police's top brass enjoyed modest hospitality. Chief constable Ian McPherson went to a rugby match courtesy of Airwave and was invited, with a partner, to a Norwich City Football Club match by Archant, publisher of the EDP

A Norfolk police spokesman said: “The constabulary has a policy document regarding gifts and hospitality. It states that officers and staff are required to make a judgment as to whether the item would benefit the constabulary or compromise the integrity either of an individual or the force.

“All hospitality is authorised by line managers and recorded.”