A NEW sergeant has been welcomed at Bewdley Police Station for the first time in two years.

Andrea Furniss has taken charge of the team of constables and a community support officer in the town.

The 37-year-old has been a police officer for 17 years, with most of her time in CID.

She spent the first 14 years of her career with West Midlands Police and moved to West Mercia three years ago.

Sgt Furniss, who was promoted to sergeant in April, said: "There is a fantastic team already in place here at Bewdley and I am looking to build on the good work they have already achieved.

"Among the issues I will be working on is anti-social behaviour, which I know is a concern of local residents as well as working towards reducing crime generally."

Two new faces have also joined Kidderminster Police as community support officers after attending an intensive four-week training course.

Richard Greybanks, 28, who was a security officer at the Merry Hill Centre, will cover the Broadwaters and Horsefair area.

Stephen Thomas, 25, who was a custody officer for Reliance at Worcester Crown Court, will cover Oldington and Foley Park.