MAKING a welcome return to the borough is the new deputy chief of police, Superintendent Martin Harding.

The police officer brings with him a wealth of experience gleaned during his 25-year career with Greater Manchester Police, including working in the inner-city, on the Tactical Aid Unit, and on Bury's N Division as sergeant and inspector.

Mr Harding has swapped jobs with Operations Superintendent Steve Westcott, who has become head of communications at the Area Operations Room.

Mr Harding said: "As someone who has lived, worked and watched my two daughters grow up in Bury, I believe I have the knowledge of the area and understand the views and wants of the residents of the borough.

"I am aware of a lot of issues that affect the borough and I will be looking at using my experiences in other police areas to improve the quality of life."

He added: "It is great to be back. There are a lot of familiar faces here at Bury."

Born in Hulme, Mr Harding joined the police force as a cadet in 1974 and became a PC with GMP in 1976, serving in Manchester. He was promoted to sergeant in 1982 and was posted to Oldham. Two years later he transferred to Whitefield as a sections sergeant.

Mr Harding then enjoyed several secondments to the Tactical Aid Unit, headquarters and personnel departments before returning to Bury in 1994 as an inspector. He served in Longsight in 1996 as a chief inspector and was promoted to his current rank in April 2000. He is also chairman of the Black and Asian Police Officers Association.