A NEW face has joined the fight against crime and disorder in Oswaldtwistle -- but Sergeant Allan Nicol is no stranger to the borough of Hyndburn.

The father of three was brought up in Great Harwood and has now returned to join the Accrington policing team after 20 years working away.

Sergeant Nicol, 40, said: "I was born and bred in Great Harwood and still have a family in the town and surrounding area. We have bought a house here and I am delighted to be back."

He left the town 20 years ago to join the police force after completing his education at St Augustines RC High School, Billington, and then St Mary's College in Blackburn.

His career began in Blackpool and he later worked as a tutor at the police training college. He then took the rank of sergeant five years ago and has worked the last three of those in Skelmersdale.

Sgt Nicol's first priority for his new role is to get to know his new community and build relationships with the local people.

He said: "The main thing in Oswaldtwistle is forging partnerships in the community and introducing myself to the locals to get my face known.

"We'll take it from there once I have found out what the biggest concerns are."

Sgt Nicol will also continue from his predecessor Ian Hanson by working closely with Rhyddings High School to help tackle juvenile nuisance problems in Oswaldtwistle.

Sgt Hanson's efforts succeeded in slashing incidents by 71 per cent in the town and 51 arrests were made in just six weeks. A student council was also set up at Rhyddings which will continue to be used.

Insp Phil Cottam of Accrington police said: "I am very pleased for Sergeant Nicol to join us at Accrington. He is an excellent officer who has come to us with local knowledge".