LANCASHIRE Police have been ranked 74th in the world for its progress on LGBT workplace equality.

The public body has achieved a place in the Top 100 Employers List, out of 434 companies from the public, private and third sector, in the Stonewall World Equality Index (WEI).

Stonewall, which was founded in 1989, has been at the forefront of unprecedented social and legal advancement for lesbian, gay and bisexual people living in Britain.

This year, for the first time in Stonewall’s history, employers could only rank in the Top 100 if they also demonstrated a significant commitment to trans equality in the workplace.

Lancashire Police's WEI rating has increased 43 places since the 2017 index and gone on from 'strength to strength' since the police force extended its remit to campaign for trans equality in 2015.

Ian Mills, chief inspector at Lancashire Police, said: “Lancashire Police is immensely proud to be identified by Stonewall as a leading employer for lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender people.

"We are committed to valuing difference and supporting diversity within our workforce and communities and recognise the true potential a diverse workforce brings to the service we deliver, in order to keep people safe and feeling safe.”

Lancashire Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Grunshaw said: “It is really important that modern police services reflect the communities they serve.

"This recognition from Stonewall shows the continuing commitment of Lancashire Police to equality in the workplace but also highlights the excellent work it does alongside the diverse communities of Lancashire."