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Gwent Police Authority has appointed Carmel Napier new chief constable of the force.

She will take over when the current chief constable Mick Giannasi retires at the end of March.

Mrs Napier is currently the deputy chief constable of the Wales Central Team.

Cilla Davies, chair of the police authority, said Mrs Napier had extensive experience across different areas of policing.

Congratulating her on her appointment, Ms Davies said: "This experience will prove invaluable as we continue to look for ways to further improve our service to the public of Gwent."

Ms Davies said there was little doubt that the force's future path was going to be a difficult one to navigate.

"The current financial challenges faced by the force will require resolve, vision and a lot of hard work.

"The authority will fully support the new chief constable as we tackle these issues together."

Mrs Napier described her appointment as "a great honour" and paid tribute to Mr Giannasi.

"I am taking over a committed and vibrant force which is well placed to tackle the challenges ahead," she said.

"Mick Giannasi has been an excellent chief who will leave an outstanding legacy.

"I look forward to maintaining the force's high performance and its focus on providing the best possible service to the public of Gwent."

Ms Davies added: "Mick has given Gwent and Wales exemplary service and has been an exceptional leader.

"He has led the force through a fundamental restructure which has prepared us well for the operational and financial challenges ahead."