A POLICE officer who has worked his way up through the ranks has been confirmed as the new assistant chief constable of his county’s police force.

Durham Police Authority yesterday confirmed that Michael Banks would fill the role he has held on an acting basis for several years.

Authority chairman Peter Thompson said: “He is a local lad who is committed to the people of County Durham. That has been demonstrated by his coming up through the ranks. He is one of those individuals in life I have not heard any adverse comments about.

He is highly respected.”

He joined the Durham force in 1985 and pounded the beat in Consett, later working in the east Durham and Darlington areas.