THE new chief fire and rescue advisor for Wales was announced today.

Des Tidbury will take up the role when the current chief, Lee Howell, leaves the post in the summer.

Des has 35 years’ experience in the Fire Service. Until recently, he was Chief Fire Officer for Cornwall and Director of Community Safety and Protection for the county.

He previously held senior positions in the Wiltshire and Royal Berkshire Fire and Rescue Services, and was awarded the Queen’s Fire Service Medal in 2015.

The Chief Advisor provides professional strategic advice to the Welsh Government and works with Fire and Rescue Services across Wales to promote best practice and stimulate improvement.

The Minister said: “The Chief Advisor has a vital role in driving improvement in the Fire Service. Des Tidbury has taken on tough challenges in England and I look forward to working with him. I would also like to thank Lee Howell for the outstanding job he has done as Chief Advisor since 2013. I wish him well.”