A CREDITON woman has been appointed as the Neighbourhood Beat Manager for the town by Devon and Cornwall Constabulary.

Police Constable Sarah Ludgate will be working alongside Police Community Support Officer Dave Pilling, specifically dealing with issues which affect the town.

She joined the force in May 2009, having previously worked as a civilian officer since 2004 at the police headquarters at Middlemoor and Heavitree Road, Exeter.

"Once I joined as a civilian I knew that I always wanted to be an officer," she explained.

She added: "An opportunity came up to apply in 2007 and I went for it.

"I worked as a response officer in Tiverton for two years and for the last year have been working from Crediton Police Station as part of a pro-active team covering Crediton and the Mid Devon area.

"I am very excited to be taking over as Beat Manager for the town in which I have lived for 23 years.

"I have three children and am involved in the community, one which I care about."

Sarah says she is looking at getting the Special Constables more involved in policing in Crediton.

Sarah has taken over the role from PC Luke Newman.