SOLDIERS whose heritage can be traced back to Dunster Castle rediscovered their roots this week.

An 80-strong group from the 2nd Battalion The Yorkshire Regiment - formerly the Green Howards - paid a visit to the historic National Trust-owned property for a touch of rest and relaxation.

The battalion is based at Weeton Barracks near Preston, Lancashire but is currently in the West Country on training exercises before its summer move to Cyprus, where it will be on standby to support ongoing operations in Afghanistan.

The regiment was first raised by Colonel Francis Luttrell at Dunster in 1688 for service under William, Prince of Orange.

However, it was not until 1744, during the Wars of the Austrian Succession, that it became known as the Green Howards.

The nickname stuck and in 1920 became the regiment's official title.

However, in 2006 an amalgamation with the Prince of Wales' Own Regiment of Yorkshire and the Duke of Wellington's Regiment led to the formation of the 1st, 2nd and 3rd Battalions of The Yorkshire Regiment.

The castle's learning officer Liz Summers said staff were thrilled by the soldiers' visit.

"We've always been really proud of our connections with the regiment and formerly the Green Howards, who started out at Dunster Castle in 1688."

Photo: Steve Guscott