A NEW police commander has been appointed for the Cherwell and West Oxfordshire area.

Superintendent Emma Garside will take over the role from Supt Mark Johns, who is retiring.

Supt Garside joined Thames Valley Police in 1996 and has previously served as deputy commander in Cherwell and West Oxfordshire.

She said: “I feel very proud to be taking over an excellent team of officers and staff who strive to make Cherwell and West Oxfordshire a safe place to live and work.”