Mike Cunningham Appointed chief - date to be arranged - report date 29.7.09

LANCASHIRE'S Deputy Chief Constable Mike Cunningham has today been appointed as the new Chief Constable of Staffordshire Police.

His appointment follows a two-day selection process where he was up against tough competition from two other candidates.

Mr Cunningham said of his appointment: "I'm extremely pleased with the new challenge that this promotion will give me, but having spent 22 years at Lancashire, it is also with regret that I leave the force where I have spent my entire policing career to date.

"The position of Chief Constable is one that I'm extremely proud to have achieved and I am looking forward to applying my Lancashire policing experience to this new role.

"I've thoroughly enjoyed my time here in Lancashire and will sincerely miss the people I've worked with over the years."

Mr Cunningham joined Lancashire Constabulary in 1987 and was initially posted to Lytham. On promotion to sergeant in 1990, he transferred to Blackpool before working in Preston, Blackburn, Burnley and Headquarters.

On promotion to Chief Superintendent in 2002, he served as the Divisional Commander for Western Division for two years. He then held the role of Assistant Chief Constable and then was appointed to the role of Deputy Chief Constable in 2007.