NICHOLAS Alston CBE will attempt to become the first ever Essex police and Crime Commissioner later this year.

The Conservative candidate, a former Royal Navy officer and King Edward VI Grammar School pupil, beat off competition from two others to claim the candidacy.

Mr Alston said: “I am delighted to have been selected by the Essex Conservatives from a very strong and well-qualified field.

“In the coming months I am looking forward to hearing the views of the people of Essex on policing, crime reduction and public safety issues, especially from the victims of crime.”

He was awarded his CBE in the 1997 New Year’s Honours list for services to Defence. He has frequently worked closely with police forces in the UK and overseas.

Mr Alston serves on the board of the Mid-Essex Hospitals NHS Trust and is also on the advisory board of the Jill Dando Institute of Crime Science at University College London.

Conservative MP for North Essex, Bernard Jenkin, said: “Nick’s strong local roots and experience in working with the police give him a unique combination of experience and understanding of the local issues that I’m sure will make him an effective and successful Police and Crime Commissioner.”