Chief Superintendent Angela Williams, who was born and brought up locally, is taking over as commander of the Airedale and North Bradford division.

She succeeds Chief Supt Ian Kennedy, who has retired.

“I will be looking to transfer all that I have learned over the past few years into my new position and to the benefit of all those who live and work in the area,” said Chief Supt Williams, 42, a married mum-of-two.

“I am very passionate and committed to my new policing area – I was one of the very first babies to be born at the newly opened maternity unit at Airedale General Hospital in 1970 and I grew up in Cross Roads, attending Lees Primary.”

She joined the police force 21 years ago, beginning as a patrol officer in the Chapeltown area of Leeds before spending most of her career working in the Bradford district.

“I am fully aware of what it takes to police our communities and the expectations that members of the public quite rightly hold,” said Chief Supt Williams.

“I see Neighbourhood Policing as central to how we do business and it runs through all of what I am aiming to achieve.

"I know from the priorities set by residents throughout Airedale and North Bradford that anti-social behaviour remains one of their key concerns.”