A POLICE authority says it has received a dozen applications of interest from officers keen to replace its controversial outgoing chief constable.

Della Cannings, the North Yorkshire Police chief, revealed her intention to take early retirement and step down in May.

Her decision left the police authority not only needing to recruit a new chief constable, but also delayed another key appointment, that of her deputy.

North Yorkshire Police Authority said it hoped to announce the appointment of a new chief as soon as possible.

The deadline for applications for the chief constable post is tomorrow, and interviews for the shortlisted candidates are planned on April 17 and 18.

Once a chief constable is chosen, that person will then play a part in selection interviews for a deputy chief constable, taking place on April 26 and 27.

North Yorkshire Police began the hunt for a new deputy last year after Ian McPherson left in October to join Norfolk Police.

But that process was suspended after 53-year-old Ms Cannings succumbed to ill health and went on sick leave.

When she announced her decision to take early retirement, it was decided to put the deputy chief's appointment on hold until after her replacement was selected.

Jeremy Holderness, the clerk to North Yorkshire Police Authority, said of Ms Cannings' replacement: "We want somebody in place as soon as possible after May 16, which is when the chief constable retires.

"To date, we have sent out 12 application packs to people wanting to apply for the post."

The police authority said the chief constable should be a "winner of hearts and minds" within the service and community.

In its advertisement for the post, it also said they must have the strength of character and courage to resolve difficult issues, but remain calm under fire.

Harrogate MP Phil Willis, who has been a critic of Ms Cannings, said the authority should take its time appointing her successor.

He said: "In operational terms, North Yorkshire is a very attractive force with no significant problems, and there should be no shortage of people wanting to take on a job which is one of the best in the UK.

"We do need to take our time, though, in making sure that the next appointment is high-calibre and will take the force forward."

During Ms Cannings' four-and-a-half years in the post, crime has been cut in the county by 25 per cent, with the force rated as the second most improved in the country for the past two years.

But she has never been far from controversy, most notably after it was revealed £24,000 had been spent on an en-suite shower for her office, although an inquiry later absolved her of blame.