Special Branch tested on Teletubbies

They are hand-picked to protect the country from dangerous terrorist groups.

But police officers wanting to join the Special Branch are not only selected on the basis of their political acumen and problem-solving abilities - they also need an intimate knowledge of children's television.

Candidates sitting the entrance exam recently were somewhat surprised to be asked to name all four of the Teletubbies.

Marks were deducted if they could not identify Po, La-la, Tinky Winky and Dipsy.

The Metropolitan Police defended the exam yesterday, saying Special Branch officers had to be in touch with all aspects of popular culture.

A spokesman said: 'The recruitment procedure is designed to ensure candidates have a broad-based knowledge in a number of areas.'

The Special Branch monitors organisations that may pose a threat to national security.

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