Police have a tough job and have to come down hard on those who commit crime.

But Bromley police showed their soft side yesterday when they helped an elderly man who was struggling to get his shopping home.

They tweeted: "POLICING IS: finding a chap struggling with his shopping and making sure he gets home ok."

Their efforts to change perceptions about the nature of policing went down well with other users on Twitter.

Malcy Sands said: "Sterling work folks, well done."