No-one wants to see police officers with so many badges on their uniforms that they look more like a Scout or Brownie than Sussex’s finest.

But a small badge that is being sold in aid of a police charity seems like something most members of the public would be willing to forgive – even support.

The Police Federation is meeting with Sussex Police bosses today to discuss whether officers should be allowed to wear the ‘thin blue line’ Union badge being sold by UK Cop Humour.

It would seem almost churlish to deny officers the right to wear something fairly inconspicuous that they feel so strongly about and is helping others.