Sussex Police welcomed their youngest recruit ever when six-week-old Meghan Newman was carried through the door.

Her mother, Lewes-based Inspector Becky Newman, was still breast feeding when she attended a training course at Bramshill in Hampshire, so little Meghan had to go along too.

It was the first time a mother and baby had ever attended a course at Bramshill, and Meghan made lots of friends. The college provided a house for mother, baby, and Meghan's grandmother, Penny Sallis, who looked after her granddaughter while Insp Newman attended lectures.

Meghan became a popular sight as she was pushed round campus in her pram. She met high-powered movers and shakers in the police world during her stay, including three chief constables.

One was Sussex chief Paul Whitehouse, with whom they had lunch, with Meghan strapped in a car seat on the top table.

Insp Newman explained she could have taken the course later but Meghan, now six months old, would have been over a year old. Making suitable arrangements then would have proved far more difficult. As it was, her trip with Meghan to Bramshill proved a hit.

Insp Newman said: "I was delighted with the positive response from all those who met Meghan and Penny.

"Everyone was very helpful and I hope this will be one of many examples of the police service becoming a more family-friendly and flexible organisation.

"Mr Whitehouse was very nice and chatted to her, but when it came to Meghan's lunch, I popped outside and went somewhere private to breastfeed her.

"It took me 20 minutes to say goodbye when the course finished. Meghan was kissed by everyone - she has never been so spoilt."

Insp Newman's husband, Gary, is a PC based in Worthing.

She said: "Meghan is the apple of his eye but he could only see her at weekends. He was very supportive."