Andy Rhodes appointed Lancashire police chief

Image source, Lancashire Constabulary

Image caption, Andy Rhodes has been promoted from deputy to chief constable

Lancashire's new police chief has been appointed to replace the UK's longest-serving chief constable.

Andy Rhodes, who is currently Lancashire Constabulary's deputy chief constable, replaces Steve Finnigan who led the force for 11 years.

Mr Rhodes said the appointment "is the proudest moment of my career".

Lancashire's Police and Crime Commissioner, Clive Grunshaw, said he "brings a wealth of experience to the role".

"The process over the last two days has been extremely tense, and quite rightly so. It's a challenging and exciting role and I cannot wait to get started," Mr Rhodes said.

He will start the job in June, subject to a confirmation hearing by the police and crime panel later this month.

Mr Rhodes began his policing career in Lancashire in 1991 and became a divisional commander in 2006.

He then served as assistant chief constable before being appointed deputy in 2014.

Image source, Lancashire Police

Image caption, Andy Rhodes replaces Steve Finnigan, who was appointed CBE for services to policing in 2010