THE Police and Crime Commissioner for West Mercia, John Campion, has vowed to continue holding his force to account after his first round win in the election.

Mr Campion took victory after securing 179,411 first round votes, earning him the majority of the vote needed for instant election.

And he admitted he was left feeling proud that he had earned the trust of so many after one term as PCC under his belt.

"I am incredibly proud and humbled to have the majority support of the communities of West Mercia in the first round," he said.

"My promise is a simple one, to work hard to ensure our communities are safe and feel safe.

"I will back the police with the right resources to ensure they deliver on the things that matter most to the communities of West Mercia, and I will hold them account to make sure that this happens.

“I am impatient to deliver on my priorities and there is lots to be done, so there is no doubt that I’m a man in a hurry to do what’s best for those who live and work in West Mercia.”

Mr Campion’s campaign focused on: increasing the number of police officers on the streets, and ensuring they are visible and accessible to communities; the fight on reducing crime and bringing criminals to justice; and spending the public’s money on efficient and effective policing.

The turnout for the election was 33.9 per cent, and Mr Campion will be officially sworn in in the coming weeks.