DETECTIVE Superintendent Bob Helm is taking over as the new leader of Lancashire's Major Crime Unit.

He will be in charge of the unit based at Constabulary Headquarters in Hutton and will continue the work already begun by Detective Superintendent Colin Maloney, who recently retired from the police force.

Mr Helm, 45, said: "I have been a detective for a large part of my policing career and am looking forward to doing this type of work again.

"Leading the force's Major Crime Unit is a very exciting prospect."

Mr Helm started his career in Preston in 1975 as a uniformed constable and has been based there for most of his service.

He has served on the Area Crime Squad and was awarded the Queen's Gallantry medal in 1977.

Mr Helm, who is married with two children, is looking forward to his new post.

He added: "This is a terrific challenge for me.

"The unit focuses on a number of specialist areas looking at a diversity of issues including organised crime, family protection including domestic violence, computer crime, fraud, stolen vehicles and Class A drug dealing, linking in with Safer Streets in Lancashire."