KENT Police have appointed a former Kent Messenger Group journalist to the newly-created post of head of corporate communications.

Liz Dickens, 49, is currently head of communications for the London Fire and Emergency Planning Authority.

Ms Dickens formerly worked with the Kent Messenger Group's Evening Post paper. Later she joined the press office of the former Gillingham Borough Council, before moving to the public relations department at Rochester Upon Medway City Council, becoming the first communications manager of the Medway Unitary Authority on its formation in 1998.

Ms Dickens' new post has been created to ensure better communication between the police and the public, a key priority for Kent's new Chief Constable Mike Fuller.

Mr Fuller said: "I believe that good communication between the police and the public is essential in order for them to tell us about their concerns and for us to explain what we are doing on their behalf

"Liz has an outstanding track record working for the public sector, including emergency service organisations, and I am delighted that she is joining Kent Police to help us improve all channels of communication with the people of Kent and our partner organisations in fighting crime."

Ms Dickens, who lives in the Medway Towns, is married with three children. She takes up her post in mid-June.