THE Lancashire Police Authority has announced the appointment of Paul Stephenson as the new chief constable of Lancashire.

Mr Stephenson, who is the current deputy chief constable, will take up the post at the end of July when Pauline Clare completes her seven-year term of office.

Mr Stephenson (48) began his policing career in the east of the county and served in various towns including Bacup, Burnley, Accrington, and Preston. In 1992 he was seconded to the RUC for six months.

After a four-year spell on Merseyside, he returned to Lancashire in May 1999 to take up the post of deputy chief constable.

Speaking after the announcement of his new appointment, he said: "I am delighted to have been given the chance to lead the Lancashire Constabulary over the coming years. This is a time of great challenge for the police service and I feel the months and years ahead will be vitally important in shaping the future of policing in the country.

"It is an exciting time to be a chief constable and I am looking forward -- with a mixture of pride, humility, and ambition -- to the opportunities that lie ahead and to what can be achieved.

"I am fortunate that I already know the county and am familiar with many of its communities. This will give me a head start and will enable me to build on the firm foundations already laid by Mrs Clare."

Mrs Clare commented: "My congratulations go to Paul. I am sure that he will rise to the challenges that will face him over the coming years and will work to provide the public of Lancashire with a high quality service. I will assist him over the next few months to ensure that the hand-over in July takes place as seamlessly as possible."