THE Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service has a new chief officer.

Paul Hayden is taking over from David O'Dwyer who is retiring at the end of next month after more than 10 years in the role.

Mr Hayden started his career in the West Midlands 26 years ago.

He has served at the Fire Service College, at the fire service in Suffolk and is currently serving in Norfolk as the deputy chief fire officer.

His appointment was welcomed by Richard Udall, the chairman of Hereford and Worcester Fire Authority.

"I am delighted to be able to welcome Paul Hayden and I am confident that he will bring extensive experience and talents to our authority," said Mr Udall.

"Paul will be able to meet the challenges ahead and will make the changes needed to ensure that Hereford and Worcester Fire and Rescue Service continues as a modern, progressive and high-performing service."

Mr Hayden's appointment was confirmed in a meeting of the fire authority at County Hall, Worcester, yesterday, which heard that he had beaten eight other candidates for the job.

Mr Hayden will take over at a time when the fire service is operating under tough financial constraints.

In the authority's service improvement report Mr Udall and Mr O'Dwyer jointly say that the past year was difficult.

"This follows the Government's decision to subject the fire authority to their capping regime, which drastically reduced our funding," they say.

The amount the fire authority will receive from the Council Tax for 2005/6 has risen by 4.6 per cent, meaning Band D homeowners will have to pay an extra £59.04.