GLOUCESTERSHIRE Constabulary has appointed a new chief constable, but he's a well-known face in the force.

Timothy Brain has already spent the last two and half years as deputy chief constable, but slips into the hot seat when the county's current chief, Tony Butler, retires on April 2 after seven years with the force and a total of 36 in the police.

Mr Brain, aged 46, was selected on December 14 by Gloucestershire Police Authority's elected members after two days of interviews and assessments. Others shortlisted for the post were Vincent Sweeney, deputy chief constable of Greater Manchester Police, and David Lindley, deputy chief constable of Leicestershire.