ASSISTANT chief constable of Merseyside Police Paul Stephenson is returning to Lancashire to become deputy chief constable.

Mr Stephenson was one of the youngest officers in Lancashire promoted to the rank of superintendent when he was 34.

The 45-year-old father of three was appointed by the police authority following the retirement of Gerry O'Connell.

Mr Stephenson, who still lives in East Lancashire with his wife Lynda, joined the police more than 25 years ago.

A former head boy at Bacup and Rawtenstall Grammar school, he joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1975 serving most of his early career in and around Bacup.

He attended a special command course at Bramshill College in 1982 and afterwards served as a sergeant in Bacup, an inspector at Burnley and a chief inspector at Colne.

Mr Stephenson was then promoted to superintendent and put in charge of policing the Accrington area.

He left for Merseyside five years ago but continued to live in the Rossendale area.

Mr Stephenson said: "The Constabulary has changed a lot since I left. I am impressed with the change programme and I share the Chief Constable's confidence that the force is ready to meet the challenges of the Millennium and to look after the needs of our communities."

Chief Constable Pauline Clare added: "Paul is a well respected officer.

"We are pleased he has decided to rejoin us at a time when we are facing up to some tremendous challenges."

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