The Home Office recently unveiled Britain's first CCTV regulator to develop national standards for the use of CCTV cameras in public areas.

Andrew Rennison has been given the job in addition to his current role as Forensic Science Regulator.

Crime Minister David Hanson said Mr Rennison would advise the Government on the use of CCTV in public places to enable police and councils to help deliver safer neighbourhoods.

The regulator would also ensure that "personal privacy considerations" were appropriately taken into account.

Mr Rennison will act as interim CCTV regulator for up to 12 months; the role of a permanent regulator would be a matter for Parliament.

In a written statement to MPs, Mr Hanson said: "While the interim CCTV regulator will not have responsibility for deciding whether individual cameras are appropriately sited or how they are used, he will be able to help explain to the public how they can complain about intrusive or ineffective CCTV placement or usage."

The appointment was an "important step" in the implementation of the National CCTV Strategy.

Mr Rennison will attempt to raise public awareness of how CCTV operates and how it contributes to tackling crime. He will also promote public awareness of the complaints process.