Chief Constable Paul West took to the streets of Malvern in a bid to get to know the community better.

Mr West spent time with staff at Malvern Police Station on Wednesday, before joining Sgt Matt Hooley on the beat in Church Street.

It was his second visit to the town since joining the West Mercia force two years ago.

"It's very much about spending time meeting our own staff and also hopefully a few people in the community," he said.

Mr West said he felt the force used its revenue from council tax wisely.

"People often equate council tax with the number of bobbies on the beat but policing is infinitely more complicated then that," he said.

"The council tax is being spent in many, many more ways that people don't necessarily see."

However, Mr West admitted that the force needed to improve its accountability to the public through the media.

"I think we're pretty good at getting good news stories out but we could be so much better," he said.

"Effective media liaison and working very closely with the public so they are better informed is very important."