A HIGH-RANKING police officer has been appointed to the force which serves Bromsgrove.

Ch Supt Ian Arundale, aged 41, takes up the post of Assistant Chief Constable with West Mercia Constabulary after 21 years with South Wales Police.

He has experience of policing methods in the USA and across Europe.

Ch Supt Arundale said: "I look forward to joining West Mercia Constabulary with its reputation for innovation and working with communities."