LANCASHIRE'S acting chief constable is being backed to take over control of the larger police force formed by the merger with Cumbria.

Steve Finnigan had been barred from applying to replace Paul Stephenson as Lancashire chief constable because he had not fulfilled the requirement of working in another force at assistance chief constable level.

But, because the merged Lancashire and Cumbria constabulary will technically be a new force, Mr Finnigan may now be eligible for the chief constable's role.

And today Malcolm Doherty, the chairman of the Lancashire Police Authority, said he hoped Mr Finnigan would be allowed to be a contender after being impressed by his work.

Coun Doherty said: "I would hope that he would be allowed to be considered for the new chief constable role. He has been absolutely first class. I have not referred to him as the acting chief, but the chief because I think that is the job he has done."

If he decides to apply, Mr Finnigan could face competition from Michael Baxter, Cumbria's chief constable, who is also thought to be interested in the post.

The new force will be launched by April 2007. A merged police authority will be in place by this June.

A spokesman for the Home Office said: "We will work with the Association of Chief Police Officers and Association of Police Authorities on the issues of what the requirements are."