THE Deputy Chief Constable of West Mercia Constabulary has been appointed Chief Constable of Dyfed-Powys Police.

Ian Arundale, 48, is expected to take up his new post in June.

Chief Constable Paul West said Mr Arundale had been a key figure in strengthening the reputation of West Mercia Constabulary ever since he joined the force in 2000.

Paul Deneen, chairman of West Mercia Police Authority, said: "Mr Arundale has been superb in his role with West Mercia and has shown great leadership, professionalism and dedication to the force. He has always valued the close working relationship between the force and the police authority.

"He will be a great asset to his new force, Dyfed-Powys Police, and we wish him every success."

As chair of the Force Performance Group, Mr Arundale was responsible for holding senior officers and managers to account, focussing on areas of best practise and ensuring that the force uses available resources in the most effective way.

Mr Arundale also led on Operation Christmas Presence - an annual clampdown on alcohol-related anti-social behaviour and violence at Christmas and New Year.