HAMPSHIRE ambulance staff are finally moving with the times after taking delivery of new uniforms.

The change from traditional blue to green, with the word "paramedic" now prominently displayed, is certainly more practical than the formal shirt, tie and trousers.

Hampshire had been one of the last remaining ambulance services in the country to make the change. Communications manager Alison Roughton said: "On a Friday or Saturday night, when people are out celebrating, staff have been threatened with violence because, wearing blue, they have been mistaken for the police.

"The nationally-recognised green colour makes it clear that there is a difference."