The Cumbria and Lancashire Constabulary will merge the resources of the two existing forces.

The merger was the first to be agreed after Home Secretary Charles Clarke proposed a massive reorganisation of UK police forces.

Planned mergers in some other parts of the country have met with opposition.

Good service

Cumbria Police Authority chairman, Reg Watson said: "Both constabularies have a great deal of pride in their respective county names and it has been important in making the decision that this continues into the amalgamated constabulary."

Chairman of Lancashire Police Authority, Malcolm Doherty, added: "The name retains the established links with local communities in both counties and we are all pleased that the new force will still be called a constabulary."

Cumbria's chief constable, Michael Baxter, said: "The design and implementation of a new combined constabulary will build upon the good service and performance that the two existing constabularies provide to their respective communities.

"The opportunity to build further improvement into neighbourhood policing and protective services will be grasped so that our communities are better served and protected."