Senior police are deciding whether to allow off-duty uniformed gay officers to join in the Brighton and Hove Pride parade.

The event on August 9, one of the biggest free gay parties in the UK, attracts more than 50,000 people.

Sussex Police have said they have no objections to officers joining in the festivities but a decision on whether they can wear their uniforms to walk with others in the parade dressed in their work clothes has still to be made.

Superintendent Dave Martin, of Brighton and Hove police, said: "It is under discussion at senior officer level at the moment."

The move follows the decision to allow uniformed officers belonging to the Gay Police Association to march at the front of London's National Pride Parade.

The ruling has divided the police service.

Some forces in England and Wales have refused permission for their officers to wear their uniforms at the occasion because they see it as a political event.

James Ledward, a committee member for Pride in Brighton and Hove, said he would welcome Sussex Police taking part.

He said: "It would send out a very positive message.

"Anything Sussex Police does to engage with the community is a good thing."