THE name of the county's police force is one step closer to being changed.

An order has been brought before parliament requesting to change the name of Hampshire Constabulary. 

The order, laid before parliament today details plans to formally change the name of the force to Hampshire and the Isle of Wight Constabulary. 

The order is due to be allocated a time on the agenda for debate in both the House of Commons and House of Lords. 

READ MORE: Hampshire PCC Donna Jones awards £2.6m to 'fight crime'

A final vote on the change will then take place later this year. 

Branding of uniforms, cars and buildings will be phased in over time if the change is given the go ahead. 

Police and Crime Commissioner Donna Jones said: "The new name will truly reflect the whole force area and will help Island residents feel a closer connection to their police force.”

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