Sussex Police has advertised gay networking inside the pay packets of all its employees - but not everyone is happy with the idea.

The force is encouraging minority groups in the force, including gays and lesbians, to get together for meetings.

But control room civilian Simon Hills is one of several employees who objected.

He wrote in this month's force magazine Patrol: "I know there are staff members of these persuasions. I count some as friends and work colleagues.

"Then again, as my old granny used to say, 'I don't care what people do as long as they don't do it in the street and frighten the horses'.

"The payslip insert amounts to horse-startling of quite a severe degree.

"I really do not want to hear about this unless and until equality works both ways and there is talk of a heterosexual networking group (whatever that may mean)."

Retired Brighton PC Colin Hogarth said the invitation to a gay and lesbian off-site meeting had caused "much concern" in his household.

He said: "The same invitation was published in routine orders so do we need another personal invite - another Sussex Police over-reaction?"

One informal gay and lesbian meeting has already taken place and several who attended have voiced their support.

One employee, based at force HQ in Lewes, wrote that he was surprised by the criticisms, adding: "Most gay people like myself don't go around waving pink flags but neither do we hide or shy away."

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Toynton, head of personnel, said improved staff networks "are the key to celebrating diversity in the workplace".

A number of formal networks already existed and "the fostering of more informal links will aim to include and inform staff who feel outside of existing representative channels."

Mr Toynton said further invitations would be sent to other minority groups.

He said: "We believe that an appreciation of the diversity of our staff will help us break down some of these barriers."