A retired air commodore whose glittering career in the military saw him break down race barriers has joined the Lincolnshire police authority.

Andre Dezonie was the first black officer ever to command an RAF base.

He completed front-line flying tours in Harrier jump jets as a squadron pilot, flight commander and squadron commander.

And he was awarded an OBE in the 1999 New Year Honours List for services to the RAF.

Now, just months after retiring from the force, he has taken on a new challenge at Lincolnshire Police Authority – the first black man to hold a post there.

And his aim is to help make the county an even safer place with his work on the authority – which oversees the police.

"I am the new boy at the authority," he said.

"The chair of the authority and the chief constable have set out their priorities along with the Home Office.

"I endorse those, but it's my job to play a part, challenge and scrutinise."

The former air commodore was once in command of RAF Wittering in Peterborough.

For more on the story, see Tuesday's Echo.