A NEW chief officer of probation has been appointed for Hampshire and the Isle of Wight.

The position has gone to Barrie Crook, pictured, who has held a similar post in Dorset for the last eight years.

Mr Crook, who is from Southampton but lives in Poole with his wife and three sons, is committed to boosting Hampshire's place in national performance league tables.

Hampshire sits in the middle of the table for 42 probation areas, while Dorset, under Mr Crook's direction, finished third in 2004-5.

Mr Crook says: "My immediate priority will be to ensure that we improve Hampshire's standing in the national performance tables."

Mr Crook takes over the role from David Scott.