THE Woofers have celebrated the arrival of their latest recruit - a Swaledale ram called Private Derby.

The Worcestershire and Foresters Sherwood Regiment's new mascot was handed over by the Duke of Devonshire as part of a long-running tradition.

The one-year-old ram was picked from the fine flock at the Duke's Chatsworth Estate in the heart of the Peak District's National Park and was handed over by the Duke on Thursday, prior to the Battalion's move to London for ceremonial duties.

Captain Tony Spears, the 'Ram Major' L/Cpl Christopher Glover and the 'Ram Orderly' Pte Mark Westmacott were delighted to meet their new four-legged friend.

Sandra Elliott at Chatsworth said: "The handover went well and it was a hot sunny day in Derbyshire.

"The new Private Derby has a very pleasing nature and good Swaledale characteristics."

The ram will take on the role of his late predecessor, travelling with the brigade on ceremonial duties and also on parades on the forecourt of Buckingham Palace.

He will reside in the barracks and also undergo special training to prepare him to march with the regiment.

The original Pte Derby was captured at the siege of Kotah in the Indian Mutiny of 1858 and died 10 years later.

Since then he has been followed by a succession of rams bearing the same name.

The Woofers is only one of nine regiments in the Army to have its own official mascot.

Under Government plans to modernise the Army the Woofers is set to amalgamate with the Staffordshire and Cheshire regiments.

If the plans go ahead, the Woofers will then be known as the 2nd Bn, Mercian Regiment (Worcestershire and Foresters).

Proud veterans have fiercely opposed the move and say that it will be the beginning of the end for the regiment, with its past and its badge being consigned to history.