Police chief gets top marks in Welsh

North Wales Police say they are committed to the language

North Wales Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom has been given top marks in his AS-level Welsh exam.

He has gained an A in the second language course and plans to take his A-level examination next summer.

Chief Constable Richard Brunstrom received an A

The outspoken police chief has been learning the language since he moved to the north Wales force as deputy chief constable.

When he replaced Michael Argent in the top role in 2001 he vowed to continue with his lessons and placed a large emphasis on the importance of learning Welsh.

North Wales Police have said they are committed to the use of the Welsh language.

From Tuesday officers will be given the opportunity to swear their allegiance to the force in Welsh.

The ability to speak the language is a pre-requisite for the job of Chief Constable put in place by the North Wales Police Authority.

Anyone considered for the position must be bilingual or willing to learn the language.

Mr Brunstrom who already has a GCSE in Welsh said at the time that the qualification was his "most satisfying achievement".

Today's ceremony is proof of North Wales Police's commitment to providing a service for the citizens of North Wales in their chosen language

Meic Raymant

The 48-year-old received his certificate on Monday at North Wales Police Headquarters in Colwyn Bay.

He was joined by 10 members of staff who had all passed the GCSE Welsh for adults examination.

Meic Raymant, the force's language advisor, said he was pleased with the results.

"Today's ceremony is proof of North Wales Police's commitment to providing a service for the citizens of north Wales in their chosen language.

"The support and the resources are already here and it is great to see so many members of staff taken full advantage of them and succeeding."

The staff who passed their exams were all volunteers.

Six of the candidates were police officers including Assistant Chief Constable Clive Wolfendale.

The four others were members of the support staff.