Police commissioner Ann Barnes with ex-youth tsar Paris Brown

by Lauren Fruen

Police commissioner Ann Barnes has revealed she has already had 26 new applications to refill her youth crime tsar role.

It comes after her first appointment, Paris Brown, resigned amid mounting pressure after posting potentially offensive tweets.

Mrs Barnes said she was committed to finding someone to fill the £15,000-a-year role after 17-year-old Paris quit just six days after her appointment was announced.

"i said i wanted to be the most visible and accountable police and crime commissioner in the land..." – ann barnes jokes

It was the police commissioner’s first public meeting since the controversial resignation.

She faced questions from the public in Faversham last night and was forced to defend the appointment of Miss Brown.

She said: “I think Paris would have been a really good ambassador for us. But I am going to appoint a youth commissioner. I have already had 26 applications for the role.”

Mrs Barnes was joined by Kent Chief Constable, Ian Learmonth.

The pair were quizzed on anti-social behaviour, police numbers, training and visibility in the community.

But it was the appointment of Miss Brown which dominated discussions at the Old Brewery Store, Court Street.

Mrs Barnes even joked: “I said I wanted to be the most visible and accountable Police and Crime Commissioner in the land.

"Well, thanks to the Mail on Sunday, I am certainly the most visible!”