CONSETT has a new community inspector.

Insp Andy McConnell takes over from Insp Cath Boyd, who has moved to the complaints department at Durham Constabulary headquarters.

Following in the footsteps of his father, Insp McConnell has been a policemen for 19 years and most recently worked as a resource and recruitment officer.

Insp McConnell grew up in Derwentside, attending Lanchester EP School and Greencroft Comprehensive School, and still lives in the area.

He said: "The reason I took this job is I have a personal interest in the area and I would like to make a difference if I can.

"I want to know what the problems in the area are, and use the community beat teams in the best possible way to tackle them.

"If there are any community groups that would like to have contact with the police, we would be delighted to speak to them to see what we can do to help."

Insp McConnell can be contacted on (0191) 375 2444.