THE Army today unveiled its new secret weapon in the battle for new recruits - Zest the horse.

The seven-year-old mare was being trotted through the streets of York as part of a new Army recruitment campaign, named Operation Northern Spirit.

Lance Corporal of the Horse, Craig Weston, rode Zest into the city centre, dressed in the scarlet regalia of the Household Cavalry, accompanied by Trooper Alan Davies.

"Zest is at present stabled in Catterick where I am a riding instructor," Craig said. "In April, we are both going to London where we will take part in the Trooping of the Colour and the Queen's Jubilee celebrations.

"We also line staircases at investitures and guard Horse Guards, the front gate to Buckingham Palace."

An Army careers day will be held at Imphal Barracks, Fulford Road, York, on Saturday.

For more information, contact the Army Careers Office on 01904 623653.

Updated: 15:25 Wednesday, February 06, 2002