AN army veteran has ditched her weapons for ravens after becoming a Beefeater at the Tower of London.

Amanda Clark served with the Royal Logistics Corps for 22 years and completed tours in Germany, Bosnia, Kosovo, Iraq and the Falkland Islands.

The Yeomen Warders of Her Majesty’s Royal Palace and Fortress the Tower of London, as they are officially known, are descended from the ancient band of warders who guarded the tower's gates and royal prisoners.

Today they combine their traditional ceremonial role with a love of history and lead tours around the tower.

Sergeant Major Clark, from Burnley, who is one of two serving female wardens, said waking up at the tower was magical.

The 42-year-old said: "Every morning I look up and the tower looks so peaceful.

"It didn’t really hit me until I put the uniform on for the first time and I realised I am now part of the history of the tower.

"I can’t stop smiling, I’m really looking forward to exploring more of London and all of the sites like Covent Garden or seeing a show in the West End."

To become a yeoman warder, applicants must have served for more than 22 years in the armed forces, hold the Long Service and Good Conduct medal and have reached the rank of warrant officer.

Her husband, Simon, 43, who also serves in the military, will join her in her living quarters once she has passed her probation.

Sgt Maj Clark said: "It's a really great community, we all have accommodation dotted around the grounds.

"There's wives, kids, dogs and guinea pigs, it's great.

"It's something I always wanted to do after I finished my army career, I met a young warden through a friend and never looked back."

Her first challenge is to prepare for the Ceremony of the Keys, a closing ceremony that has taken place every night without fail for at least 700 years.

She will then go on to learn word-for-word the ‘Story’ – the script of the famous Yeoman Warder Tour of the Tower.

Once perfected, she will be allowed to lead a tour of the grounds.