New chief fire officer appointed

Lee Howell is due to take up his post early next year

Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Authority has confirmed the appointment of its new chief officer.

Lee Howell, 39, is currently chief of the Suffolk service. He will replace Paul Young, who retires in December.

When Mr Howell was appointed at Suffolk in 2004, he was the youngest chief fire officer in the UK.

Mr Howell said Devon and Somerset was a highly respected and effective service and he was privileged to have been offered the role.

"I am delighted to have been given the opportunity to take Devon and Somerset Fire and Rescue Service on the next stage of its improvement journey," he said.

Mr Howell will take up his position early next year.

Bernard Hughes, the fire authority's chairman, said Mr Howell was a chief officer "of a very high calibre" who came with excellent experience and would provide a fresh impetus to carry on the work of Chief Officer Young.

Mr Howell is married and has two children.