BURY Football Club's latest recruit may not be involved on the field of play but he's sure to bring smiles to the faces of the Gigg Lane faithful.

He's Robbie the Bobby, the Shakers' new mascot, unveiled this week and set to make his home debut in next Saturday's opening league game against Reading.

Based on a Peeler and commemorating Bury being the birthplace of Sir Robert Peel, founder of the modern police force, Robbie was the brainchild of Nottingham-based Bury fan Duncan Ashton who won a 'design-a-mascot' competition in The Shaker magazine.

Sponsored by Bury Markets Robbie will be on duty at local hospitals, schools and generally promoting the town as well as his Gigg appearances.

Pictured welcoming Robbie to his new surroundings are (from left) Bury Markets Manager Chris Gibbon, Shakers striker Ronnie Jepson and (front) player-of-the-season Chris Lucketti.

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