POLICE officers and firefighters are celebrating after their workplaces were named among the most gay-friendly in the UK.

Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service and Cheshire Constabulary have been recognised in the top 100 employers for equality in the workplace nationwide.

And the fire service is celebrating after they were recognised as the North West’s most improved employer by Stonewall, who compiled the survey of the most lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) friendly employers, after they climbed 101 places to claim the 45th slot in this year’s equality index.

And Cheshire Constabulary have heralded their 58th ranking as a ‘great achievement’ saying it shows their hard work towards making the force a positive working environment free from discrimination.

Chief Fire Officer for Cheshire Fire and Rescue Service – who have their own LGBT employee network group called Firepride – Paul Hancock, said: “This is a significant achievement and reflects the hard work invested by our staff and volunteers.”

Inspector Gareth Woods, of Cheshire Constabulary's Communities Unit, said: “We continue to do all we can to foster a positive, confident, safe and inclusive workplace for our employees, free from discrimination.”