IT is not surprising that Lancashire Constabulary is 'disappointed' that an internal memo sent to every officer on how to organise Christmas parties has fallen into the public domain.

For, no matter what its good intentions may be, it is an example of over-zealous political correctness which invites ridicule.

Of course police should set an example in ensuring, for example, that ethnic minorities are properly treated. But consider the sort of advice in the checklist e-mailed to all officers...

"Use inclusive language when writing to colleagues about the social event, e.g. 'partners welcome' instead of 'spouses welcome'." and "Consider the contents of any acts booked to appear at events in case they are offensive." and "Consider the dietary requirements of all colleagues in catering arrangements."

While these suggestions reflect the changed and diverse society we live in -- so that Lancashire bobbies laying on a Christmas do are asked not forget gay couples or co-habitees when writing their invitation and not to get the force shown up with another Strippergram scandal -- do they really need spelling out to grown-up police officers?

Hardly. And it is little wonder that many of them may feel insulted.

It is no surprise either that other observers question the necessity of it and may, like Ribble Valley MP Nigel Evans, consider that if it is aimed at avoiding any bad publicity, it has backfired.

If Lancashire police officers need any advice at all on how to behave during the coming Christmas party season, it need only amount to telling them to use the common sense which their job expects them to have.

And if that had been employed in this instance, the authors of this petty list might have asked whether they have better things to do. We think they have.