The chief constable's second-in-command is set to lead Avon and Somerset Police for six months when he leaves the force in July.

Councillors are due to confirm deputy chief constable Sarah Crew as the interim chief constable when they meet this week.

Andy Marsh, who took the top job in 2016, will leave the post on July 1 after deciding not to renew his contract, saying it was the right time for a new challenge.

Appointing his replacement is one of the first tasks of new police and crime commissioner Mark Shelford.

Papers released ahead of the police and crime panel meeting's confirmatory hearing on Thursday say: "A recruitment process will begin imminently and the police and crime commissioner is seeking to appoint independent consultancy to ensure transparency and secure a highly talented candidate pool.

"It is anticipated that there will be a gap of at least six months before a preferred candidate for chief constable can be confirmed by the police and crime panel."

Ms Crew joined Avon and Somerset Police in 1994 and was appointed deputy chief constable in June 2017.

Her appointment as the interim chief constable will ensure continuation of strategic leadership, operational stability and business continuity, the papers say.

Asked what qualities he is looking for in a new chief constable, Mr Shelford said: "Somebody that exudes leadership and command and has unshakeable belief in the Peelian principles of policing.

"They need to have all the qualifications, knowledge and experience. Key to me is the leadership piece."

He said Mr Marsh has been an exceptional leader who has changed Avon and Somerset for the better.

The papers say priorities for the new chief constable will be:

-Putting the public first

-Delivering significant savings while maintaining a passionate commitment to performance improvement

-Ability to motivate officers and staff and boost and maintain morale through change

-A truly collaborative approach both internally and externally

-Delivering significant improvements in criminal justice services with partners and putting victims at the heart of this work

-The highest possible personal standards of integrity and the ability to inspire this in others