THE TOP cop in Hampshire has been honoured for championing lesbian, gay and bisexual people.

Chief Constable Alex Marshall, who will leave Hampshire Constabulary at the end of the month, has been named as the UK’s individual champion of the year at the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

The ceremony takes place tonight in London.

Mr Marshall said: “When I started 33 years ago there was a small but significantly vocal minority of people in policing who were dismissive or even derogatory about members of the public or colleagues who were lesbian, gay, bisexual or transgender.

“I don’t believe we gave the service people deserved or did as much to understand individual needs as we should have done.

“I remember a very courageous colleague when I started who was the only openly gay officer I knew.

“I’ve always felt I owe it to her and the people we serve who are picked on because of their sexual orientation to improve our service and bring policing to where it needs to be for everyone.”

Each year, the force is represented by a senior officer at the Brighton pride event.

Mr Marshall has also supported the force’s lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender resource group and lesbian and gay liaison officers.