THE former head of Durham CID has been handed the task of rooting out theft in the NHS.

Detective Superintendent David Grey retired from the force last month after 34 years' service.

He will take up a newly- created regional post within the National Health Service, reporting to the Directorate of Counter Fraud Services, in London.

From offices in Newcastle he will lead a team of specialists - including ex-detectives from Durham and Northumbria police - responsible for investigating pharmaceutical fraud.

Mr Grey said: "I am very much looking forward to the new challenge.

"It gives me an opportunity to use all my police skills and expertise to reduce fraud within the NHS, allowing the service to direct its resources to where they are most needed, patient care."

Mr Grey helped set up a number of projects as head of Durham CID, such as a specialist unit for tracking high-risk criminals, which has become a permanent feature in North-East policing.

Mr Grey started working life as a trainee accountant, but at 19 was split between joining the RAF or the police service.

He joined the police in 1966 and started his career as a beat officer in Hartlepool, then policed by the Durham force.

Detective Superintendent Ian Scott has taken command of Durham CID in place of Mr Grey.