HAMPSHIRE is looking for a new chief constable - and the man or woman who lands the post will earn a cool £142,806 plus a benefits package.

The new top cop will take over from Paul Kernaghan, who retires as the country's longest serving chief constable in October after nine years in the role.

The job comes with an attractive benefits package that includes moving costs of up to £35,701 and a car allowance of £10,000.

In addition the new police chief will be eligible for bonuses and a housing allowance, if appropriate.

In case the six-figure salary was not enough to attract the right candidate, the advertisement that appeared in this week's Jane's Police Review magazine promises the successful applicant "a mix of vibrant cities, villages, unspoilt countryside and coastline."

Geoff Crowe, chairman of Hampshire Police Federa-tion, which represents rank-and-file officers, said the salary was justified.

He said: "Hampshire is the largest non-metropolitan force and the only one with an island to deal with. It has an airport, two other ports, three cities and large rural areas that need to be policed.

"Clearly the chief constable is responsible for life and death decisions for people that travel through the county.

"They have to decide when arms need to be deployed how to deal with members of the public including those that have to be arrested. It is a huge responsibility for anyone.

"If you look at the salaries for similar jobs that have the same level of responsibility you will find the salary wasn't that high."

The chief constable would be responsible for around 6,000 staff including officers and civilian support staff.

The new chief would have six months from being appointed to move to the county and would be based at West Hill, Winchester.

The closing date for applicants is April 25 with interviews planned for June 16 and 17.