East Sussex Fire Authority has announced it has appointed Gary Walsh as chief fire officer and chief executive.

Mr Walsh will take up his position in October following the retirement of Des Prichard who has stepped down after 14 years.

The 53-year-old is currently deputy chief fire officer for East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service and has been in post since 2003.

The Bexhill resident was recently awarded a Queen’s Fire Service Medal for services to the Fire and Rescue Service .

Mr Walsh said: "I am enormously honoured to accept the role of chief fire officer and chief executive of East Sussex Fire and Rescue Service.

"I have been fortunate to have the support of my family and to work with staff who are dedicated to the fire and rescue service and to the safety of the public in East Sussex and Brighton and Hove.

"I look forward to continuing to work with the Fire Authority, our staff and our partners to provide the community with the best fire and rescue service we can even in these times of budget reductions."

ESFA chairman Phil Howson said: “Finding the right person for this role is vitally important for the future of the Service in these challenging times.

"There is a great deal of work already underway which will transform the Service. Gary Walsh has a wealth of experience which means he can provide continuity and stability, as well as the leadership it needs to achieve the best for the communities we serve."