Acting Chief Constable Christine Twigg said local policing for communities will remain paramount.

She added the Cumbria force will be an equal partner in any proposal.

Her comments follow a speech by Home Secretary Charles Clarke in which he asked senior officers for proposals for the creation of larger forces.

'Influence agenda'

The move is part of national restructuring plans that will cut the number of police forces in England and Wales, to form strategic forces with a police officer strength of at least 4,000.

Ms Twigg said on Tuesday: "Obviously, with a police officer strength of just over 1,200 the proposals would suggest that Cumbria Constabulary will become part of a Strategic Police Force.

"However, the Chief Constable of Staffordshire, John Giffard, has been appointed to lead on the next stage of this work and will be visiting all forces and authorities in the next three months.

"This will be the opportunity for chief officers and the Police Authority in particular to discuss the options and influence the future agenda."