IT'S A SOMEWHAT surreal picture, we admit, but the image of Lancashire's first-lady, Chief Constable Pauline Clare, belting a load of strippers out of the boxing ring is a knock-out nonetheless.

For, suddenly, the force's portable ring has been declared a no-go area for exotic dancers.

The bump-and-grind ladies were often also on the bill at charity boxing nights at which the bobbies' ring was used.

But now, if fight fans want nudes for afters, they won't get them inside the constabulary's ring.

For the word has come from on high.

And if it is Pauline Clare who has issued this edict, she is no spoilsport.

As Chief Constable, she is right to ensure that her force is not associated in the slightest way with anything that might bring it into disrepute.

And if that sets a higher moral tone for society on her patch to follow, we say more power to her elbow.

Converted for the new archive on 14 July 2000. Some images and formatting may have been lost in the conversion.