A NEW champion of crime fighters has been appointed.

Rosemary Taylor has taken over the chairmanship of the Hambleton's community safety partnership from retired GP Dr David Smith.

The former solicitor, from Swainby, will lead the partnership in its drive to reduce offences in rural areas through a crime fighting strategy.

Mrs Taylor has worked with Tees Valley Tourism and the Tees Health Authority since moving to Swainby 21 years ago.

She is also chairwoman of governors at Swainby and Potto School and company secretary at the family business, Seward Electronic.

"I am very much looking forward to my new role," she said.

"It is a big challenge to develop the partnership and to continue to deliver improvements in crime reduction services.

"Dr Smith has done a wonderful job over the past five years - he will be a hard act to follow."

The partnership brings together a wide range of organisations including the police, the district council, the fire and rescue service and the county council