Members of An Garda Síochána have been invited by the PSNI to take part in this year's Pride parade in Belfast.

The parade takes place in Northern Ireland on August 5th.

PSNI officers are to march in the annual parade in uniform for the first time.

Three PSNI vehicles have also been designed in rainbow colours to highlight hate crime.

Image via @PoliceServiceNI on Twitter

PSNI officers and staff have been involved in the festival for many years - but this is the first time they will do so in uniform.

While members of the gardaí, their families and friends have been invited to take part and join members from the PSNI.

In a statement to Newstalk.com, An Garda Síochána says: "Garda members may, with permission, take part in uniform.

"Attendance at the event is at the garda member's own expense."

Members of the Garda Marching Band have been involved in Dublin's Pride Parade since 2014.