GWENT'S top police officer said he is "delighted" that the 2014 NATO conference will be held in Newport.

Chief Constable Jeff Farrar said: "This is a great opportunity for Gwent to once again showcase itself on an international stage, and we are delighted to be welcoming such a prestigious event to our policing area.

“It will be an enormous challenge for the Force but with our track record of having policed the 2005 European Union Foreign Ministers summit and the 2010 Ryder Cup at the same venue we are confident that working with other agencies and partners the event will be both safe and secure.”

Gwent Police and Crime Commissioner Ian Johnston added: “Today’s announcement is positive and welcome news for Gwent and the whole of South Wales.

"The size, scale and importance of the event cannot be over estimated, and policing and security will need to be of the highest standard.

"Gwent Police has a proud tradition of providing safe and secure policing for major events and I have no doubt the policing of the 2014 NATO Summit will be no different.

“That said whilst the event is important it’s no more important than the interests and well-being of local residents.

"I will be ensuring that any potential local disruption is kept to a minimum and the policing service provided for the rest of Gwent is not adversely affected."