The first female chief constable in Warwickshire Police's 164-year history has said she feels 'honoured and privileged' after her appointment was confirmed on Friday.

Temporary Deputy Chief Constable Debbie Tedds will replace Chief Constable Martin Jelley when he retires at the end of June.

The Police and Crime Panel confirmed the decision on Friday, after Police and Crime Commissioner Philip Seccombe had recommended T/DCC Tedds for the role.

The panel met at Warwick Shire Hall on Friday (June 11) in order to hear from T/DCC Tedds and to consider her suitability.

The panel was made up of elected and independent members from across Warwickshire.

Speaking after the announcement, T/DCC Tedds said: "Having served as an officer at every rank within the force and across the county for more than 30 years, to be afforded the opportunity to be the first female Chief Constable in our 164-year history is an absolute honour and privilege.

"From next month I will now have the opportunity of a lifetime to lead an incredible force to provide the very highest standards of care and protection to the communities of Warwickshire. I will do this in the full knowledge that Warwickshire is equipped with highly skilled officers, staff and volunteers to whom I am dedicated to supporting."

Raised in Leamington, T/DCC Tedds joined Warwickshire Police in March 1989 and was made a Detective Sergeant in 2002.

She became the first female Warwickshire officer to achieve the rank of Detective Inspector before being promoted to Superintendent in 2009 to head up the then Judicial Services Department.

She added: "I am extremely grateful to both our current Police and Crime Commissioner and the Police and Crime Panel members for the trust and confidence they have shown by offering me this opportunity.

"I very much look forward to building on the fantastic local partnership relationships we have in this county but most of all I will be seeking to engage with as many members of our communities as possible, to listen and understand how the force can continue to grow and respond to people's needs.

"I passionately care about Warwickshire and its people and I'm excited to continue to develop our force to ensure its services are of the upmost quality, fit for now and the future, putting the care of our people at the heart of everything we do."