ONE of Britain's most famous regiments has issued an urgent appeal - for a second-hand pair of boots.

But it's not just any old footwear the Green Howards are after - they need some genuine soldier's boots from the Crimean War.

The regimental museum in Richmond has a very rare private soldier's uniform dating from the Crimean War. It is complete except for the boots.

Textile expert Caroline Rendall is currently restoring the costume, and museum curator Roger Chapman is trying to find the boots that go with it.

The museum's problem is exacerbated by a disaster that hit the supply ships just after the Battle of Inkerman in November 1854.

A huge storm wrecked 21 vessels, including the 'Prince' with 14,000 pairs of boots on board.

As a result, some of the troops faced the rest of the Crimean campaign - including two harsh winters - with their feet wrapped in cloth.

Mr Chapman said: "We hope that if anyone knows of a pair of boots from the Crimean period, of the type worn by the lower ranks, they will contact us.

"They would add a finishing touch to our display in the museum - especially if they are with us for the 150th anniversary of the war in 2004."