A FORMER mayor of Stockport who refused to wear the traditional fur-trimmed robes of office is urging Prince Charles to follow his lead over bearskins at Buckingham Palace.

Coun Ken Holt is backing a campaign by People for the Ethical Treatment of Animals (PETA) calling for an end to the slaughter of black bears.

PETA says it can take the entire hide of one bear to make just one guardsman's bearskin.

Now Coun Holt, a campaigner against animal cruelty, has written to the prince to stop ceremonial guards wearing the distinctive headgear.

Coun Holt hit the headlines in 2003 when he wore a smart suit rather than the ermine-trimmed red robe when he was invested with the chain of office at Stockport town hall.

The Tory councillor has now urged Prince Charles to use his influence to stop the practice, saying that synthetic material can be used and tradition maintained.

PETA has urged members to back its Unbearable Cruelty campaign and write to Buckingham Palace. A spokesman for Prince Charles said he was aware of all of the letters, but would not comment further.

Manchester music legend Morrissey is also backing the campaign.