A former Canadian diplomat with expertise in security and nuclear issues will be the Conservative candidate to become Norfolk's Police and Crime Commissioner.

Lorne Green, who holds British and Canadian passports and has lived in Snettisham, west Norfolk, for 17 years, beat James Athill, who stood for the role unsuccessfully in 2012, and Norfolk County councillor Alison Thomas, for the nomination.

The 69-year-old served in the Canadian diplomatic service for 30 years, including in Pakistan during its war with India in 1971, and as chargé d'affaires in Belgrade as Yugoslavia disintegrated, as well as five years as the executive assistant to the Canadian high commissioner in London.

He moved to England in 1998 to lead the World Nuclear Transport Institute.

Mr Green was selected at a meeting at the Holiday Inn at Norwich International Airport on Saturday.

He said: 'I believe the Conservative Party wants to have a PCC that can, while having a political affiliation, reach out and embrace all the other groups. Perhaps that's the attraction of my Canadian background.

'My interest is in bringing people together, and enhancing the county I live in and love. I don't care if someone is a natural Labour or UKIP supporter, or resides in a big community like Norwich, or a small village.

'My sense was the party wanted someone who could appeal to that level, and look beyond the parties and try to draw the community together in a shared interest in safety and security.'

In next May's election he is likely to face the incumbent, Stephen Bett, who was elected as an independent candidate in 2012.

UKIP has selected David Moreland, and Labour's candidate will not be decided until the new year.

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