A WOMAN is to run the police service in East Cleveland for the next six months.

Supt Dee Collins, 38, the first woman officer in Cleveland Police to carry a gun, is temporarily taking over the hot seat from divisional police commander Supt Adrian Roberts.

He has gained a place on the national Strategic Command Course at the Police College in Bramshill, leaving his operations superintendent in charge for the time being.

Supt Collins said: "I hope to build upon the firm foundations set down by Adrian, and in particular, I want to tackle the problems of house burglary, drugs, car crime and anti-social behaviour - all of which cause misery to our communities.''

Supt Collins appealed to the community to help the police in their fight against crime.

Three years after joining Cleveland Police, the then constable joined an armed response team, becoming the first woman officer in the force trained to carry out firearm duties.