HAMPSHIRE'S top cop is set to leave the force.

Andy Marsh, the head of the county's police service, has been named as the preferred candidate to be the next chief constable at Avon and Somerset Constabulary.

Police and Crime Commissioner Sue Mountstevens made the announcement today.

The appointment, which is subject to a confirmation hearing by the Avon and Somerset Police and Crime Panel, follows a rigorous two-day selection process held on Tuesday and Wednesday, during which four applicants were considered.

Mr Marsh said: "I’m thrilled to be the preferred candidate for Avon and Somerset Constabulary, a police force I joined in 1987 for which I was proud to serve and gain valuable policing experience in a range of different roles.

"Avon and Somerset is a good police force, I will work tirelessly with officers, staff and volunteers of the Constabulary to deliver excellent policing services to the communities within which my family and I live."

Following the announcement, Mrs Mountstevens said: "Andy is a highly experienced chief constable and has extensive experience of policing with much of his career in Avon and Somerset.

"As the chief constable of Hampshire Constabulary, Andy has implemented transformation and change projects and delivered savings and improved performance. He is also the national lead for a number of areas of policing including IT procurement and body-worn video cameras.

"As well as bringing excellent leadership skills from his chief officer roles in Avon and Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire, he also has operational and detective experience and has previously been an area commander in South Bristol and East Somerset.

"It’s no secret that there are tough times ahead for policing with continuing budget pressures combined with a changing landscape and new demands. I’m confident that Andy is the person to lead Avon and Somerset and work with me to build safer, stronger communities and ensure the people of Avon and Somerset have the very best police service."

The proposed appointment of Mr Marsh will be considered at a Police and Crime Panel meeting on Monday, December 14, 2015 at Weston-super-Mare Town Hall.

Simon Hayes, Police and Crime Commissioner for Hampshire, said he "fully respects" the chief constable's decision to move and offered his congratulations.

He added: "During his nearly three years as chief, and previous time as deputy chief, Andy Marsh has made a significant contribution to protecting our communities from harm. He has proven that policing is a vocation and has played a significant role in maintaining legitimacy and public confidence in all aspects of the constabulary's work.

"He has guided the organisation through significant changes to operational policing, introducing innovation and modernisation. As Andy would not be leaving us immediately, there is time to plan for the future and give consideration to finding his successor. I am sure, should he be confirmed at the helm early next year, Avon and Somerset will flourish with Andy as their chief constable. I wish him and his family all the best in the future."