CORNWALL Council has appointed its new Chief Fire Officer, Des Tidbury of Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service, after an extensive recruitment and assessment process.

Des is currently Deputy Chief Fire Officer at Wiltshire, where he has had responsibility for corporate planning and performance and was part of the team that oversaw the service's CPA re-categorisation from 'weak' to 'fair.'

Ken Yeo, Executive Member for Public Protection said: "We are extremely pleased to welcome someone of Des' calibre to the fire service in Cornwall. He has an excellent track record and I have no doubt he will take the service forward, continuing the good work Terry Standing has started as Interim Chief. I would also like to thank Terry, not only for his dedication to the service since he came to us in January but his commitment to finding the right fire chief to continue the journey."

It is hoped that subject to his authority's approval, Des will join Cornwall County Fire Brigade on June 1.