The traditional police tunic has been saved after an officer's wife bent the ear of Chief Constable Ken Jones.

She joined a throng of protesters and lobbied him face-to-face.

Mr Jones has now decided officers can keep their tunics and wear them for ceremonial and court duties.

The old uniform will not be allowed for day-to-day use and recruits will not be issued with them.

The tunic was withdrawn earlier this year for health and safety reasons, having served as the smart top half of an officer's outfit for many years.

PC Neil Hersey, based in Crawley, and his wife lobbied Mr Jones at a recent awards ceremony.

PC Hersey, honoured during the evening as one of Britain's bravest officers after he saved four youngsters from a burning car, said: "It was too good an opportunity to miss.

"With the help of my wife we started talking to the chief and he obviously took on board what we had to say. My wife was a bit more talkative than me."

The chief has now written to staff: "There will be no requirement for officers who currently have tunics to return them to the clothing store should they still wish to have one.

"The tunics can be worn on suitable occasions."

Assistant Chief Constable Tony Toynton had ordered the tunics withdrawn because today's protective stab-proof vests cannot be worn safely with them.