A NEW community police inspector has arrived in the Crook and Weardale area.

Inspector Tony Avery is looking forward to new challenges after moving from Darlington to take over from Inspector Victoria Fuller.

After more than two years as a core inspector, he volunteered for his new role working in contrasting communities in Crook, Willington and rural Weardale.

His police career spans 24 years. He started in Seaham Harbour and has been based in most parts of County Durham, including Newton Aycliffe, Spennymoor, Ferryhill, Consett, Stanley and South Moor.

He said: "I applied for the post because I like the challenge of being accountable and responsible to the communities I serve.

"The biggest buzz and job satisfaction that we have comes from working closely with communities and making a difference to people's lives.

"At Consett I was the first beat sergeant to apply for anti social behaviour orders and the work we did was recognised as being of real benefit to the community. We received very positive feedback.

"Here I will have responsibility for the whole police team, including the beat teams and the police community support officers, as well as working closely with CID.

"This is a lovely area and, with the community and our partners, we hope to make it better for people to live here.

"It is already a safe place to live and work and we will be addressing any issues that people raise because we know they are important to them."

Inspector Avery is married with two children and coaches junior rugby in his spare time.