The Newest Recruit For The Mercian Regiment

Private Derby XXXII is the 32nd in a long line of regimental mascots which have been donated to the regiment by The Duke and Duchess of Devonshire.

The ram is a Swaledale ram from the Duke's own Chatsworth Estate flock. It is a tradition that goes back almost 160 years,

He plays an important role leading the Mercian regiment on public duties and has been having special training to get used to wearing the official dress and medals for these events.

The Duke of Devonshire said:

"It is a long-standing tradition that the mascot of the Mercian Regiment has been selected from the finest rams in the Chatsworth Swaledale flock. I am very pleased to present the Regiment with their next Private Derby, who I am sure will serve as proudly as his predecessors have done before."

It is believed the Ram is a symbol of the strength, ethos and heritage of the unit.