SCOTTISH police women have secured the same maternity rights as their English colleagues.

A new deal has been agreed allowing up to 18 weeks' paid leave for women, starting next spring.

The change comes after a lengthy battle from the Scottish Police Federation, which had argued poor maternity terms were one of the reasons why women left the force.

Scottish officers have avoided the worst of the cuts imposed south of the border.

But an English, Welsh and Northern Ireland package, regarded as being worse overall for officers, included a better maternity deal.

The deal, finalised by the Police Negotiating Board, means the term for women in Scotland will go up from 13 weeks.

Jackie Muller, the SPF's equalities secretary, said: "Police Occupational Maternity & Adoption pay is increased to 18 weeks and will take effect for women whose babies are expected on or after 1 April 2016, and for men and women who are the main adopter and have a child places with them for adoption in or after that date.

"It has been a long battle but I am delighted that we now have this agreement which will make the role of police officer so much more appealing to those wishing to have a family.

"Importantly, women who are now finding out they are pregnant will benefit from this."

Ms Muller raised the issue with all four party leaders at a special SPF hustings during this year's general election. Only Willie Rennie, the liberal leader, followed up on the issue.