THE region's biggest police force has recruited a new head of personnel.

Chief Superintendent Norman Gilberg, 49, takes up the post with Northumbria Police after five years as area commander at Washington, Wearside.

He joined the force in 1975, originally working in Newcastle, and has served in various departments and area commands, including as Washington crime manager then area commander.

Chief Supt Gilberg said: "I am looking forward to the challenge of running this department.

"The key function of personnel services is to provide professional support to area commands and other departments to help them deliver the best policing services to the community.

"Having been an area commander for the past five years, I appreciate the importance of getting the right people with the right skills in the right roles at the right time."

Northumbria has more than 5,500 officers and support staff and is continually recruiting.

Government cash from the Crime Fighting Fund has enabled the force to take on an extra 254 officers over three years.

Anyone over the age of 18-and-a-half who is considering a career with Northumbria Police is asked to contact the recruiting department, on (01661) 872555 extension 68816.