"The introduction this year of the Annual Force Colours Award for Arts is welcome news indeed," enthused Mr Halliday.

"Total membership of the Police Arts Clubs easily runs into the thousands. Members of the Police Sports Clubs have been recipients of the Annual Force Colours Award for Sport since 1984 and it was felt that there should also be an equivalent award for the arts."

"The purposes of the Annual Force Colours Award for Arts are two fold. Firstly, it has been established to demonstrate appreciation of Police Arts Council and its affiliated arts clubs for their efforts in promoting arts and culture in the Force.

"Secondly, this award will further promote our policy of a healthy lifestyle via members' involvement in arts and cultural activities through the recognition of individual members and the contribution they have made."

Each of the arts clubs may nominate two members for the Annual Force Colours Award for Arts. Those qualifying for consideration are active participants who have represented the Force in local or inter-Force arts or cultural events, those who have been selected to represent Hong Kong in arts or cultural events or those who have rendered outstanding service to the Force in the organisation or administration of arts or cultural activities for at least five years.

Mr Halliday stated that there had been a proliferation of arts clubs established within the Force over the last two to three years.

"The Chinese Culture Club is an excellent example of this," said Mr Halliday. "The popularity of this Club has demonstrated that there is a thirst for knowledge among members and a growing appreciation for culture and tradition."

"The Police IT Society, which currently has around 200 members, the Police Choir, which has been in existence for 25 years and has about 40 active members and the Police Philatelic Club, whose members are regarded as authorities in their field, will all benefit from the establishment of this new award."

Mr Halliday stated that over the last three to four years, the Force had actively promoted the development of the arts.

"The biggest hurdle to be overcome in the establishment of any of these clubs is getting people to agree to be office bearers and to willingly commit their free time. The more office bearers there are in a club, the lighter the load for everyone, so I would appeal to those who are interested in specific clubs to also give some thought to sitting on the club's committee."

Nominations for the Annual Force Colours Award for Arts covering the period September 1, 2000 to August 31, 2001 are currently being accepted. The deadline for nominations is November 24.