Police chief announces retirement

Christine Twigg said she would retire with a great deal of pride

The deputy chief constable of Cumbria Police has announced her retirement plans.

Christine Twigg told the Cumbria Police Authority she would be standing down in May 2009.

During her 11 years with the force she helped deal with major disasters such as the Carlisle floods and the Grayrigg train crash.

The police authority thanked her for her hard work and dedication and wished her the best for the future.

Reg Watson, the authority's chair, said: "Christine's expert knowledge, professionalism and astuteness have contributed to making this one of the country's top performing constabularies and Cumbria one of the safest places to live, work and visit."

Ms Twigg said: "This is undoubtedly one of the hardest decisions I have had to make in my 30-year policing career and I retire with regret but with a great deal of pride.

"It has been an honour and a pleasure to serve in Cumbria Constabulary and to work with the communities of Cumbria. "