IT was all change as police officially became the men and women in black yesterday.

Bay bobbies joined colleagues across the force by donning the black gear on the streets for the first time.

The traditional white shirt and black tie have been banished from the constabulary's costume cupboard in favour of the all-black look.

And the reason for the switch is all to do with body armour and body heat.

A black-shirt police spokesman explained: "Wearing the body armour with the cotton shirts would make you sweat. And when you took the armour off, the effects were not pleasant."

He added: "The new shirts are of a special material which gets around the old problem.

"They are far more comfortable and breathable to wear with the body armour."

But the white shirt and black tie combination has not been discarded completely.

"We will still wear them for court appearances, ceremonial occasions and other special events," the spokesman stressed.

Insp Jon Perry said: "We are aware the new style might be seen as just a bit militaristic. As much as we would like to, we can't stay as the Dixon of Dock Green figures forever. Times do, and must, change.

"But if we do look slightly more officious we would like people to know we are still the same gentle and fair people underneath.

"Personally, the shirts are much better — and they don't have to be ironed which will please many of us."