POLICE in Grampian are getting a head start in the battle against

crime.

Officers like PC Martin Page (above) in the coldest and most exposed

beats in the country are being issued with hats as worn by Cossacks.

The force has 50 of the hats, made from synthetic fur by a London

manufacturer.

Each hat will have a badge with the Scottish police motto, Semper

vigilo.

The idea is to make life more comfortable for officers working long

shifts, particularly at ski resorts.

Police there say that standard caps give little protection against the

cold. Some officers ward off biting winds by wearing balaclavas under

their hats.

A Grampian Police spokesman said: ''The problem is particularly bad in

the ski areas like Glenshee, where our men can work long hours in

extremely hostile weather conditions.''

Police will assess the popularity and efficiency of the Russian-style

headgear before deciding whether to make them a standard winter issue.