FORMER Newport council chief executive Sandy Blair has spoken of his pride after his brother was appointed head of the Metropolitan Police yesterday.

Sir Ian Blair has spent three years as deputy to Sir John Stevens with the UK's largest police force.

Yesterday it was announced that he would be taking over the top post in the new year.

Sandy Blair was a former head of Newport council until 2000, and also the Welsh Local Government Association, until he retired last year.

Mr Blair, who lives near Chepstow, said: "Ian is a sharply intelligent but very personable police officer and I am very proud of his achievements.

"He has been a police officer for 33 years and started as a young constable with the Met."

Mr Blair revealed his brother was the "brains" behind the new police community support officers, partly inspired by the introduction of the warden scheme in Newport.

"It is something we spoke about, and part of his thinking was influenced by the warden scheme in Newport and other cities. It certainly sowed the seeds of thought."

As Metropolitan police commissioner, Sir Ian Blair will be in charge of more than 30,000 officers.

He is largely seen as a reformer who played a central role in bringing in changes following the Macpherson Report, which accused the Met of being "institutionally racist".

Speaking about Sir Ian's appointment which is made by the Queen, Home Secretary David Blunkett said: "He has been a key player in driving forward the police reform agenda.

"He is also an exceptional officer with strong personal conviction and a high level of integrity."