A NEW man is taking over the reins of the police in the Hambleton area of North Yorkshire.

Chief Inspector Tim Madgwick is to become the Hambleton district coordinator from the end of July, taking over from Chief Inspector Gary Clarke, who is to become a superintendent with the Cleveland force.

Chief Insp Madgwick will be responsible for policing in Thirsk, Northallerton, Bedale, Stokesley and Easingwold, down to the borders with York.

He was previously staff officer to the Chief Constable at the force headquarters at Newby Wiske and before that was the inspector responsible for the policing of York city centre.

He has been an officer with the North Yorkshire force since 1989, and is married with two children.