A NEW Chief Fire Officer has taken charge of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

Andrew Brodie was recommended to the North Yorkshire Police, Fire and Crime Panel following a rigorous interview process organised by the Commissioner Julia Mulligan.

This included the opportunity for partner organisations from across North Yorkshire to meet and question Mr Brodie.

Mr Brodie has been the interim Chief Fire Officer of the service for the last six months.

His past includes working in the fire and rescue services of London, Cumbria and Leicestershire.

He said: “I’m really happy to have been confirmed as Chief Fire Officer of North Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service.

"I’ve loved my time as interim Chief, met brilliant people and got a real insight into the service. I’m looking forward to more of that and working as a member of one big team to help everyone in North Yorkshire and York to be safe and feel safe."