Regiment to get new ram mascot

http://news.bbc.co.uk/go/rss/-/1/hi/england/derbyshire/7611906.stm

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The selection process has started to replace Private Derby - the ram who is the official mascot of the Mercian Regiment.

The 28th mascot died earlier this week of unknown causes at age four and will be cremated.

The new ram will be donated by the Duke of Devonshire from his Chatsworth Park estate in Derbyshire.

The first Private Derby was chosen in 1858 at Kotah in India during the Indian Mutiny Campaign.

The Mercian Regiment was formed in September 2007, when the Staffordshire, Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters and Cheshire regiments merged.

The ram is looked after by two handlers who prepare him for parades and use two white ornamental ropes attached to a leather collar to lead him.

The ram wears a scarlet coat and replica medals

Colour Sergeant James Bashford, from the Second Battalian the Mercian Regiment, said: "He is part of the regiment's history and tradition and he will be sadly missed."

Sgt Bashford said the ram is a symbol of pride for the regiment and is extremely popular with the public when he makes appearances.

Private Derby wears a scarlet coat when on parade as well as a replica of the India Mutiny Medal and General Service Medal 1962.

He also wears a silver plate and silver protectors on the tips of his horns.