CHIEF Constable Mike Fuller has confirmed he will stay in the police force despite having qualified as a barrister.

Kent's Chief Constable, the highest ranking black police officer in the country is to be called to the bar today, after two years of study in his spare time.

Although other chief constables have been called to the bar after retirement, Mr Fuller is the first to do so while still serving.

Mr Fuller, who is being called to Lincoln's Inn, said he looked forward to continuing his career in the police force.

He said: "I thoroughly enjoy my current job. I am particularly grateful to my family for their support while I was doing this."

Mr Fuller became Chief Constable of Kent in 2003, after 26 years in the Metropolitan Police.