COUNCILLORS have confirmed a former senior office as the deputy to Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Members of Lancashire's Police and Crime Panel have approved the appointment of form Superintendent Andy Pratt at a special meeting at Blackburn's King George's Hall.

As deputy to newly-elected commissioner Andrew Snowden he will have a particular focus on criminal justice, victims’ services, and community engagement.

Mr Pratt, who retired from policing in 2010, is a former Conservative candidate for the commissioner's job.

He said: "I cannot wait to get started. I am looking forward to utilising decades of experience across a career devoted to service in Lancashire to support Andrew's drive to make a positive difference in making Lancashire safer."

Mr Snowden, a former Conservative county councillor, said: "I am delighted that Andy is now in post and ready to hit the ground running.

"There is no one more suited to supporting my work in the coming years."