A NEW fire chief has been appointed for East Lancashire.

Bill Riley, who lives in Oswaldtwistle and is based at divisional headquarters in Burnley, is the area's new divisional commander.

Mr Riley, 53, has served with Lancashire Fire Brigade for 30 years .

His career has taken him to stations all over the county, including Darwen, Accrington and Rawtenstall.

Mr Riley worked at Blackburn in the fire safety department for four years.

He has been at Burnley since 1985 and, until his promotion, was divisional officer, operations.

He and his wife, Sandra, have a son, John, who is a firefighter at Blackburn.

Mr Riley has taken over the top post from John Judd, who moves to become assistant chief officer in charge of fire safety for Greater Manchester Fire Brigade.

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