BURY'S new top ranking policeman officially accepted his post this week.

Snr Supt Paul Blewitt replaces Mr Chris Wells who has moved to head the Salford division.

After spending two years in Greater Manchester Police's (GMP) 'Y' department, which deals with complaints and discipline, the 46-year-old will now head 420 police officers and civilian support staff.

Bury has the lowest crime rate of any of the eleven divisions of Greater Manchester Police.

Snr Supt Blewitt says he is looking forward to returning to operational policing and continuing the work of his predecessor, who he briefly met while working in Salford.

Snr Supt Blewitt said: "I have a great respect for Chris Wells and am looking forward to continuing and building on what he has done."

Married with two children and now living in Chorley, Snr Supt Blewitt went into policing after graduating in public administration at Sheffield University 23 years ago.

He has been with the GMP for four-and-a-half-years, and has previously worked in Birmingham and Merseyside. Snr Supt Blewitt achieved post of sergeant at the age of 28.

"The challenge I am facing now is getting to know everyone, including councillors, politicians and of course the public," he said.

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