Green Howards' veterans have spoken of their anger and sorrow after 14 soldiers from the famous Army regiment tested positive for drugs.

Ten privates and four corporals face being discharged after failing a routine check.

Meanwhile, seven soldiers from the 1st Battalion of Welsh Guards who also tested positive were yesterday dismissed, while four others are under investigation, their commanding officer confirmed.

The Green Howards recruit across the North-East and North Yorkshire.

Last night, the regiment said several of the soldiers who failed the drugs test came from the region. Five of the guardsmen and 11 of The Green Howards tested positive for class A drugs, which include cocaine and ecstasy, and one Green Howard for a class B drug. The others tested positive for class C drugs.

Major (retired) Roger Chapman, from the regimental headquarters in Richmond, said: "There is shock and a feeling of sorrow for these young men who have put their careers in jeopardy. It's like a member of the family letting us all down and they should have known better.

"The Army has a zero tolerance to drugs because obviously when you have a gun with a bullet up the spout you don't want the guy next to you to be under the influence."

Phil May, 79, from West Witton, near Leyburn, North Yorkshire, served as a 2nd lieutenant with the 1st Battalion The Green Howards during the Second World War.

He said: "My initial reaction is one of sadness and anger.

"We managed to get by without things like that, but then the world is a different place these days."

The unannounced testing of 400 troops took place at Beachley barracks, near Chepstow, in South Wales.

An MoD spokesman said everyone from the commanding officer to the lowest-ranking private was tested. Those who tested positive are likely to be discharged.

The Green Howards, with bases in North Yorkshire and Chepstow, completed a two-year tour of duty in Northern Ireland last year.

The regiment had also recently served in Afghanistan and trained in Belize, Central America.

The Green Howards will end 318 years of independent existence next June, when it amalgamates into the new Yorkshire Regiment.