THE leader of Blackburn with Darwen Council has expressed his pleasure at the appointment of Chris Rowley as Lancashire's new chief constable.

Cllr Mohammed Khan was part of the panel of councillors which confirmed the Humberside deputy in the post earlier this week.

He said: “We enjoy a really great relationship with Lancashire Police and this close working happens right across our services and the various parts of the constabulary.

"The policing style we have locally is something to be very proud of, it’s a big strength.

"Andy Rhodes did a brilliant job, and we know that Chris will continue to build on all the efforts to work together to best serve our communities.”

Mr Rowley said: "I am honoured to be selected to be the next chief constable of Lancashire police - a Constabulary which has an outstanding national reputation for delivering innovative solutions and services.

"I am looking forward to building on the excellent work that both Police and Crime Commissioner Clive Mr. Grunshaw and the current chief constable have developed over many years.

"My role is to serve and support the officers, staff and the communities of Lancashire.

"I have a clear ambition to find long term sustainable partnership based solutions, which will reduce crime and deliver the aims and objectives of the Police and Crime Plan."