Sussex Police is paying for female officers to receive fashion advice from a personal stylist on how to colour code their uniforms.

The force and its women's support group Evolve arranged the day-long seminar for next month and officers will have to leave their normal shift work to attend.

As well as handing out style recommendations, female officers will also be able to attend discussions on confidence, fitness, nutrition and gynaecology.

The force said the courses would give staff greater confidence but they have attracted criticism.

A spokeswoman for the TaxPayers' Alliance said: "While it is important to give female police officers the support they need this seminar should be focussed more on effective ways of fighting crime than on fashion tips or gynaecology."

Kate Smurthwaite, who writes for feminist website the F-Word, said: "Ultimately taxpayers want safer streets not more beautiful police officers.

"There's nothing wrong with having a day to discuss female issues and helping women become more assertive, but I think it's pretty stupid for them to think that because they are women they need to appreciate clothes.

"It's difficult to really know what message the police are trying to put across."

Superintendent Jane Rhodes of Sussex Police, the officer who organised the event, refused to be drawn on how much it is costing but defended the seminars as a good use of police resources.

She said: "I think it will improve working conditions for women staff.

"The seminar is aimed at promoting health, well-being, confidence and self-esteem as well as addressing female specific health issues which all impact on personal development and retention of staff.

"This event represents a cost effective means of effectively training, retaining, informing, supporting and developing our staff."