I'VE noticed that police on the beat in Leigh have cast off the American-style cap and gone back to the tall helmet.

Being one of those finnicky women that likes to see matching clothes I think they look daft with the new bomber jacket.

A put a call in to find out why they have reverted and Greater Manchester's Chief Constable Michael Todd said he believed very strongly in high-visibility policing and that it's important for the public to be able to instantly recognise officers on the streets.

These days, just wearing a reflective jacket isn't enough to distinguish police officers from the proliferation of

security guards, traffic wardens and others who wear them.

He said: "A return to the traditional police helmet for officers on street patrol will make them stand out in a crowd and make them more accessible and visible to all."

Too right.

Internal research is being carried out within the organisation and GMP would be interested to hear the public's views on traditional police helmets.

Here's mine: any officer wearing a tall helmet should also go back to the long style buttoned tunic!