ACCRINGTON'S new police inspector today said neighbourhood policing would be his top priority.

Insp Terry Woods has taken over as the new geographic inspector following the departure of Insp Julian Platt to force headquarters, where he will be part of the team looking at force restructuring

The 30-year-old is no stranger to Accrington after spending two years as a temporary sergeant in the town.

He said: "Julian Platt ran the place really well, so I inherit Accrington in really good condition.

"What I am particularly keen to concentrate on is developing neighbourhood policing in the area, in liaison with the local council and other partner agencies."

Insp Woods, who grew up near Darwen, also wants to encourage more people to attend the Police and Community Together (PACT) meetings which are run by the community beat managers and police community support officers.

He added: "The community spirit here in Accrington is superb and there is a real willingness from the public to get involved.

"There are exciting times ahead, with the regeneration of the town centre and the challenge of furthering the excellent work already undertaken by the police and our partners here in Accrington."

Insp Woods, who is married and lives in Bolton, began his 10-year police career as a PC in Burnley, before working as a temporary sergeant on the motorway unit at Accrington.

Before that he was staff officer to the Chief Constable, and worked on the support unit in Blackpool.

He also spent a year as a temporary Detective Inspector investigating the sexual exploitation of children, before returning to Eastern Division as Operations Inspector.