Suffolk's new Chief Constable was officially sworn in yesterday morning.

Douglas Paxton had taken up his post of Chief Constable on Monday having moved back to the county from Staffordshire, where he held the position of Deputy Chief Constable.

During the swearing in ceremony Mr Paxton said: 'I sincerely declare and affirm that I will well and truly serve the Queen in the office of constable, with fairness, integrity, diligence and impartiality, upholding fundamental human rights and according equal respect to all people.'

'I will, to the best of my power, cause the peace to be kept and preserved and prevent all offences against people and property, and that while I continue to hold said office I will to the best of my skill and knowledge discharge all the duties thereof faithfully according to law.'

He joined Suffolk police in 1989 and rose to the rank of superintendent before moving to West Midlands Police in 2002 where, for three years, he was in charge of a large division in Birmingham city centre.

Mr Paxton joined the Staffordshire force in April 2007. He replaces the former chief constable Simon Ash who has retired.