A YOUNG mother has been chosen to pull on the most famous monkey suit in politics.

Student Ceri Anderson, 26, has stepped into the furry shoes of Stuart Drummond, Hartlepool's mayor, to become the new football mascot H'Angus the Monkey.

Hartlepool United had to hold auditions for a new H'Angus, with dozens of fans applying for the job.

The shortlist was cut down to six, with each candidate wearing the suit for a half in the club's pre-season games.

Ceri was deemed the most monkey-like and was delighted to be told she had landed the job.

The English student, whose son, Ralf, seven, urged her to apply for the post, said: "I can't believe I am actually H'Angus the Monkey. It's a dream come true.

"It was my son's idea. We are both big fans of Hartlepool, and when the post was free he begged me to go for it. I never thought I'd get it, but I'm so glad I did.

"H'Angus is a Hartlepool legend and it is actually a big honour, especially now that he's known around the world."

Ceri is entering her second year of English education at Sunderland University and hopes to become a teacher.

She said: "I will be a teacher by day and H'Angus by night. He will be my alter ego."

Ceri played the monkey for the first time at Hartlepool's win over Boston United and hopes she keeps up the positive vibe for the club to go on and win the Third Division title.

She said: "I came into the job because I'm a Hartlepool fan, not because I'm looking to start a career in politics."

Stuart Drummond said: "She's doing a very good job. I wish her all the best.

"It's not going to be easy. That job is a lot harder than it looks and I hope she is up to it."

H'Angus has a bad reputation around the lower league grounds with his monkey business.

He was escorted out of Blackpool's ground on suspicion of being drunk and disorderly, and got into trouble at Scunthorpe's ground for simulating sex with a woman official from the home club.