Norfolk's first deputy police and crime commissioner has been appointed following a meeting of the Police and Crime Panel at County Hall.

Jenny McKibben, from Norwich, was nominated for the role by the Norfolk police and crime commissioner, Stephen Bett, and her selection has now been endorsed by the Norfolk Police and Crime Panel.

She said: 'I'm delighted to be appointed deputy police and crime commissioner. This is a challenging role with the opportunity to make a difference to communities. Stephen pledged that he would keep Norfolk a low crime county, and support victims and vulnerable people and I look forward to supporting him in delivering that.'

At the meeting, Ms McKibben was scrutinised by the panel, which consisted of county and district councillors and independent members, as to her suitability for the position.

They found her to be well qualified, both academically and through her previous experience of working for the Norfolk Police Authority.

Mr Bett, who was voted in as police and crime commissioner for Norfolk in November, was also invited to explain the role of his deputy and why he thought Ms McKibben should be appointed. Commending Ms McKibben's appointment to the panel, he outlined a number of her key strengths that he felt had specific relevance to the role, including her knowledge of policing issues and experience of community consultation and engagement.

Ms McKibben will be supporting and deputising for the new police and crime commissioner and started her work in the role this week.

She has nine years' experience working as an independent member of the Norfolk Police Authority and campaigned for Stephen Bett ahead of last month's police and crime commissioner elections.

Norfolk Police and Crime Panel chairman and Norfolk county councillor, Alec Byrne, said: 'After a rigorous but fair process, the panel members were satisfied that Ms McKibben was a suitably qualified person for the role. We wish her well in her new role.'