SIR Norman Bettison has been named as the new Chief Constable of West Yorkshire Police.

Sir Norman has had a 32-year career in policing which has taken in three major police forces and a number of national responsibilities. He will take up the new post early next year.

The appointment follows the retirement last month of the former Chief Constable, Colin Cramphorn.

Mr Cramphorn, 50, died after a battle with cancer last month.

Clr Mark Burns-Williamson, West Yorkshire Police Authority chairman, welcomed Sri Norman's appointment.

"It was a tough decision as we had some very able and talented candidates from which to choose.

"I am delighted to welcome Sir Norman to West Yorkshire, he brings a wealth of policing experience to the county. West Yorkshire is one of the best performing forces in the country and we are determined to remain so."

Sir Norman, 50, is married and lives in Barnsley.

He joined South Yorkshire Police in 1975 as a constable.

He later worked in Merseyside and came under fire for his role in the policing of the Hillsborough disaster in 1989. After a six-year spell as Assistant Chief Constable with West Yorkshire Police he was appointed Chief Constable of Merseyside in 1998.

He holds a Master's Degree in Philosophy and Psychology from Oxford University and a Master's Degree in Business Administration from Sheffield Hallam University.

He is also a graduate of the FBI Executive Programme.

He received a Knighthood in this year's Queen's Birthday Honours list for services to policing.

In recent months he has been seconded to support the police forces of England and Wales in collaborating to address serious operational threats.

Sir Norman immediately paid tribute to the achievements of his predecessor, Colin Cramphorn. "I look forward to building on the firm foundations for success that have been laid by Colin.

"West Yorkshire is a force which commands respect nationally, not only for the way in which it has dealt with the most serious of incidents such as terrorism and the murder of colleagues but also because of its reputation as one of the most improved forces in the country in the latest report of Her Majesty's Inspector of Constabulary.

"I have a deep understanding of the rich history and heritage of the Force.

"The officers and staff have much to be proud of and I shall do all I can to serve them and all of the diverse communities of West Yorkshire, to the best of my ability."