Tyne & Wear proud to support Pride

Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Service has said they are "proud to once again be supporting Newcastle Pride 2013" this weekend.

Several events will be held to commemerate the anuual national celebration of lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender (LGBT) people.

The march represents culture and diversity as well as shows support for employees and partners who are participate in it.

Working with LGBT community promotes equality
TWRFS will partner with the Great North Museum and the North East Ambulance Service to host a pride breakfast reception ath the Great North Museum (formerly Hancock) on Saturday.

John Baines, Stonewell Diversity champion and Assistant Chief Fire Officer for TWFRS, said: "It is incredibly important for us to work with our communities to promote community safety and well being.

"Our work with Stonewall confirms our real commitment in leading equality in the LGBT community and with our staff, as we work together to make Tyne and Wear a safer place to live, work and enjoy."

He added that supporting gay pride was a key part of wider working which enabled them to be placed the 28th in the Stonewall Workplace Equality Index.

The parade schedule

The parade will start at the Newcastle Civic Centre'pink picnic' where TWFRS staff will engage with members of the LGBT community from around 1pm onwards.

They will give be at hand to give people fire safety advice in a fun and relaxed atmosphere.

Vice Chair of TWRS and Group champion for the Authority's LGBT staff Network Group, Cllr Nick Forbes, said: " I am delighted that TWFRS, one of the fore runners for equality in the fire and rescue service nationally is again supporting the event."

He added that Newcastle Pride was one of the biggest and best events in the LGBT calendar.