A NEW man has taken over as leader of the police’s Hambleton and Richmondshire Safer Neighbourhood Command.

Acting Superintendent Simon Lovell has taken over the role from Superintendent Andy McMillan, who has been in the post since 2012.

As well as leading his new command, he will also remain in charge of the Craven Safer Neighbourhood Command in the west of the county.

“I have lived in Northallerton for 23 years and consider myself a local officer, and that my family and I are part of the community,” he said.

“To be returning to somewhere I know so well is fantastic.”