BEDFORDSHIRE S first woman chief constable is to retire. Gillian Parker will step down in December and her deputy Martin Stuart will leave the forced in September. Both officers have served in the police force for 30 years. Mrs Parker said: Making the

BEDFORDSHIRE'S first woman chief constable is to retire.

Gillian Parker will step down in December and her deputy Martin Stuart will leave the forced in September.

Both officers have served in the police force for 30 years.

Mrs Parker said: "Making the decision to retire has been an exceptionally hard thing to do especially as I am looking forward to the challenges of the rest of the year.

"Being the chief constable of Bedfordshire is a real privilege which I will cherish and I will continue to do the best for the force while I remain in the post."

Mr Stuart said: "I am passionate about policing and public service and will, of course, miss both the people I have had the pleasure to work with and also the significant challenges of the role.

".It has been a privilege to serve the public of Bedfordshire and to be just a small part of an excellent policing service."

Peter Conniff, chairman of the Bedfordshire Police Authority, said: "The Authority would like to place on record its appreciation of the contribution these two senior officers have made to Bedfordshire police.

"It is now our job to find the right people to take over their responsibilities. We have considered the best way to ensure a smooth transition period and with this in mind will start our recruitment process to find a new chief constable as soon as is practicable.

"This is an exciting time for policing and there are some big challenges ahead, particularly for a small force. But performance improvements mean our senior officers will be working in an efficient and effective police force.

"We need to find someone to build on this progress and who understands the needs and expectations of our diverse communities.