91�ȱ�

North Wales Police chief constable Mark Polin has passed his intermediate level certificate in Welsh second language, which is equivalent to a GCSE.

Mr Polin, who has been learning Welsh since taking charge of the force in 2009, studied a combination of two courses in preparation for the exam.

Last year, he passed the foundation level certificate and will continue with fortnightly tutorials.

Mr Polin is now able to use his language skills on a day-to-day basis.

"I am delighted to have passed another exam and will be continuing to develop my Welsh language skills," he said.

"All credit should go to my tutor, Arwel Owen, who works as a translator within our Welsh language unit."

Mr Polin began his career in the City of London police and also worked at Gwent Police for four years from 1998.

He moved to Gloucestershire Police, rising to deputy chief constable in 2007.