TWO top policemen have been appointed to help oversee the county's force.

Lancashire Police have appointed new assistant chief constables, to bring the total number on the team to three.

Chris Weigh has been promoted from being one of the force's divisional commanders, while Andy Cooke has come from Merseyside Police, where he was formerly area commander for Liverpool South.

Coun Malcolm Doherty, chair of the police authority, said: "It is vital that we have the leadership in place to meet the ever-increasing policing challenges and I am delighted we have been able to appoint two highly-skilled officers of this calibre. I look forward to working with them both."

Lancashire's Chief Constable, Steve Finnigan, added: "We already know that Chris has an impressive track record as a Lancashire officer and that his knowledge of the force and the county as a whole will be of great benefit in his role as ACC Operations.

"Andy will be joining us from Merseyside Police in the crucial role of ACC (Specialist Ops) and will bring with him a wealth of experience that will certainly bolster and take forward our priority around protecting people, in particular.

"I am delighted with both appointments and look forward to both Chris and Andy helping us to retain our position as the top performing force in the country.