A YORKSHIRE regiment has unveiled its own weapons of mass destruction - and it hopes to have them recognised as mascots.

Ferrets Imphal and Quebec have already been adopted as pets by the troops from the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment and are serving with the soldiers in Northern Ireland on an informal basis.

But, if the unit can persuade Army top brass they are as deserving as any goat or Shetland pony, the predatory polecats could soon be on parade on a more formal footing - complete with jackets in regimental colours.

"The Paras have a Shetland pony as their official mascot which is hardly a lean, mean, steely-eyed fighting machine, so we're hoping there will be no reason why a Yorkshire regiment cannot adopt ferrets," said quartermaster, Major Ralph Cantrell.

"The idea came up some time ago when we were preparing for an April Fool's Day stunt and wanted to dress our Drum Major up as a ferret to reflect our links with Yorkshire - but when an opportunity arose to acquire a couple of real ones, we decided we couldn't turn it down."

However, Major Cantrell emphasised there is no concerted campaign to have Imphal and Quebec's status recognised officially.

"We've simply inquired as to whether they meet the criteria; if so, we'll be delighted but, if not, they will remain the regiment's pets."

In the meantime, Imphal and Quebec - named after the regiment's battle honours - are cared for by Warrant Officer Steffan Morton, now known by the men as Regimental Ferret Major.