Sussex firefighters will be the golden boys and girls of the brigade when they get their new uniforms in December.

They will be wearing dazzling kit with gold knee-pads and French-style yellow or white helmets.

It's all a stark contrast to the navy blue uniforms that firefighters have been wearing over the years.

But the uniform is not primarily intended to be flash. The gold colour has been chosen to be protective.

It reflects heat and is more visible in the dark or thick smoke. It shows up any flaws, such as tears, more easily.

For now, new firefighters will have to wear hand-me-down uniforms until the new kits arrive because the force wisely does not want to waste money on new blue clothes which will soon be ditched.

People in fires and accidents won't care or probably even notice what firefighters are wearing. They will simply be glad to see them.

But if the uniforms are an added aid to those undertaking a difficult and dangerous job, they will be worth every penny of their price.