RETIRING Dorset deputy chief constable David Lewis has been praised by the county’s police and crime commissioner for his service.

Martyn Underhill thanked the senior officer for his years of service to the Dorset force and for representing the county on both regional and national bodies.

He said he had given the county ‘exceptional service’ and wished him the best in his retirement.

He will be replaced, in October, by the current assistant chief constable of Hampshire, Scott Chilton, who has headed up the crime, criminal Justice and intelligence operational areas for the neighbouring force.

He will take on Dorset’s controversial stop and search operations when he arrives.