The decision to allow homosexual police officers to join the Pride gay festival in uniform while off duty has sparked anger from some other officers.

Three contacted us yesterday to complain, although none wanted to be named.

One said: "Heterosexual officers working on the festival that day might feel uncomfortable with people thinking they are gay."

Another said: "What if someone asks one of the off-duty officers for assistance? They won't be happy if they are told 'sorry, I'm off duty'."

The third asked: "Does this mean off-duty police can join any march or festival wearing their uniforms?"

Ray Pattenden, deputy secretary of the Sussex branch of the Police Federation, said all off- duty officers were expected to respond to requests for assistance.

He said his Lewes-based office had received no complaints about the force decision.

Sussex Police has granted permission for gay officers to walk in uniform with people during the Pride festival in Brighton and Hove on August 9.