ONE of the region's Army regiments has a new drum major.

Corporal Stephen Elstob has becomes the drum major of the 1st Battalion The Green Howards in succession to Sergeant Dave Portass, who has held the role for four years.

Sgt Portass handed over his symbol of authority, the drum major's mace, at a ceremony at the 1st Battalion's base, near Chepstow, in Wales.

Both men are from Darlington. Cpl Elstob, 28, was a student at Branksome Comprehensive School and worked as a shop assistant before he joined The Green Howards in 1993.

As well as his regular duties as an infantryman, he also volunteered as a drummer with the Green Howards Corps of Drums, where he has recently been deputy to Sgt Portass.

He has served and trained with the Green Howards in Germany, Bosnia, Poland, Norway, Belize, Belgium, France, Kenya and Malawi.

Sgt Portass, 37, went to Hummersknot Comprehensive School.

After time as a painter and decorator, he joined the Green Howards in 1988.

As well as serving as drum major, he has also served as manager of the battalion sergeant's mess.

Sgt Portass is looking forward to a two-year posting to Middlesbrough, where he will be employed as an Army recruiting officer.

To find out more about the Green Howards, visit www.greenhowards.org. uk