TENBY'S new police inspector has pledged this week to 'try and make a difference' in the community.

A police officer with strong local connections, Inspector Les Clark's posting to the Warren Street station is something of a 'home coming' for him.

Born and bred in Tenby, Insp. Clark attended Tenby County Primary School, but left the area at the age of 10 when his father was moved with the army.

Over the years, he has been a regular visitor to the area and still has members of his family living locally.

Forty-three-year-old Insp. Clark joined the police force in 1975 and actually spent some time serving as a police cadet in the town, before being appointed a constable in 1977.

A year later, Insp. Clark returned to the county when he spent a summer in Saundersfoot, before taking up posts at various other stations in the Dyfed Powys Police area, including Ammanford, Carmarthen and Kidwelly.

Insp. Clark has also spent time as a forensic officer and served as a sergeant at Welshpool and Newtown.

An inspector for five years, he has worked in Brecon and Llanelli, but more recently has been based in Ammanford.

With an interest in community policing, Insp. Clark, whose patch covers an area including Narberth, Amroth, Saundersfoot, Sageston and Manorbier, as well as Tenby, also has a 'good track record' when it comes to implementing the Crime and Disorder Act.

"I am keen to see officers walking the beat because I know that is what people want to see, whilst at the same time providing a professional service to the other areas I am responsible for," he told the Observer.

"I know the problems that exist here and have existed and I am keen to try and make a difference," he said.

"Anyone who would like to discuss policing issues is more than welcome to contact me and I will be only too happy to speak to them," he added.

Insp. Clark lives in Carmarthen with his wife Wendy and daughters Lucy, aged 15, and 12-year-old Katie.