DEWSBURY has a new senior police officer.

Chief Insp Jon Carter is now in charge of operational policing in the division which covers a wide area including Ravensthorpe, Cleckheaton and Mirfield.

He replaces Chief Insp Mick Hunter who is leaving to become a staff officer with West Yorkshire Chief Constable Colin Cramphorn.

Chief Insp Hunter said: "The officers and support staff at Dewsbury are first class.

"They work diligently and professionally to tackle crime and disorder within the district.

"It has been a privilege to work with them in supporting our local communities."

Batley-born Chief Insp Carter is an ex pupil of Batley Boys' High School and is no stranger to the area.

He is returning to Dewsbury after working there as a police constable in the early 1980s.

He worked at the division for more than six years before eventually leaving to join the horse section for a while.