LANCASHIRE Police Authority has re-elected its chairman for the next 12 months.

Coun Malcolm Doherty OBE, has served as chairman for the past six years and has indicated his intention to retire at the end of the current term.

This will coincide with the Government’s intentions to introduced elected Police Crime Commissioners.

Coun Doherty said: “The next year will be difficult and challenging and as an organisation we have a duty to ensure any changes are implemented as smoothly as possible.

"At the same time, we must not forget our duty to scrutinise the constabulary to ensure the advances we’ve made over the past few years are not lost.”

Mr Doherty has a special interest in sustaining excellence and acts as the authority’s lead on the issue nationally and locally.

Bruce Jassi is the new vice chairman, taking over from Geoff Roper.