Cannock Chase MP, Amanda Milling, has saluted the Staffordshire Regimental mascot in Parliament a year after he was crowned the “Paw-blic” favourite in the 2016 Westminster Dog of the Year competition.
Speaking in Parliament the Cannock Chase MP praised the work undertaken by Sgt Watchman V and his handler, Greg Hedges, promoting the Staffordshire Regimental family and wider armed forces causes across the county.
Watchman was crowned the Westminster Dog of the Year “Paw-blic” vote winner in 2016 and the Cannock Chase MP was keen to salute his work raising the profile of the military community over the past year.
Watchman is a regular attendee at military parades, ceremonies and remembrance events with his handler giving up much of his free time to undertake his role. This enables Watchman to also support a number of military causes including the Royal British Legion Poppy Appeal, RSPCA and many other local charities.
Amanda Milling MP said: “I am a big fan of Watchman and I am always impressed by the work he and his handler do to support local regimental history and many local charities. This week saw a new “Westminster Dog of the Year” crowned, however Watchman was a real hit last year and holds a position steeped in history. We are so lucky to have such an iconic, hardworking and loved mascot as our symbol, and I wanted to share my admiration in Parliament on the anniversary of his achievement in the 2016 Westminster Dog of the Year competition.“
Sgt Watchman V is a Staffordshire bull terrier and mascot of the Staffordshire Regimental Association. He was previously the mascot for the Staffordshire Regiment, before it was disbanded in 2007 and merged with other regiments to form the Mercian Regiment.
Sgt Watchman V is the fifth mascot to bear the name Watchman and the latest in a line of mascots stretching back to 1882.