Decades of tradition will be swept away as officers abandon silver-buttoned tunics for the type of zip-up tops favoured by pop stars and a generation of teenage club-goers.

In a move that might be said to be putting the Britcop into Britpop, the police are to embrace their most far-reaching redesign for a century.

The Association of Chief Police Officers is expected to endorse the new uniform at the end of this month (April 98) and then seek to copyright it to prevent it from being plundered by the burgeoning private security industry.

The design process, led by Bill Hughes, deputy chief constable of Hertfordshire, north of London, has taken three years and involved extensive consultations with both beat officers and the public.

Malcolm Speirs, staff officer to Mr Hughes, said: "We have been looking to produce a style of garment that is easily recognisable and fairly consistent throughout the country. The initial feedback from the small number of officers who have worn it is good.

They say it is comfortable, lightweight and allows them freedom of movement and good weather protection.

"The proposed new uniform is much more sensible from an operational point of view and allows officers to undertake the wide range of activities that modern policing demands," said Mr Speirs.

The main change is the replacement of the traditional buttoned tunic top with a series of interchangeable zip-fronted blouson jackets designed for comfort and manoeuvrability as well as to cope with all types of weather.

The jackets have deep side pockets to carry many of the cumbersome items now attached to the belt, such as torches and notebooks, that are not of instant operational use. The belt will still carry the baton, handcuffs and the newly-issued CS gas canisters.

All jackets will have the familiar triple-deck row of black-and-white checks currently used as the band on peaked hats. It is this feature that is likely to be registered as a trademark to help stamp out a trend among security companies to dress their employees like the police.

New boots are waterproof and non-slip, with extra ankle support.

For the first time, trousers will have a removable lining to allow for changes in climate and temperature - which the UK is also famous for.

The blouson jacket made of waterproof "breathable" material zips to the face. It is windproof and has a ruched bottom to make it more comfortable. It is fitted with a loop to carry the radio and pockets to carry bulkier items like phones and paperwork.A reflective jacket has been produced to in the same design. The fleece jacket is wind-proof and lightweight. Boots are designed to give protection to the Achilles tendon, flexibility in the sole and improved grip.