ANN BARNES has been re-elected for another year as chair of the Kent Police Authority (KPA).

The decision follows a KPA annual meeting where members voted to re-elect the positions of chair, vice-chairman and committee members.

Ann, who lives in North Lyminge, was first appointed as a magistrate member of the KPA in 2001 before being elected as chair in July last year.

She said: "I’m from a family that has always encouraged each other to give something back to the community. I look forward to the big challenges ahead as Kent Police remains a standalone force."

KPA is one of 43 police authorities in England and Wales established by Parliament for the governance of policing at a local level.