ONE of the rarest uniforms in the collection of the region's Green Howards Regimental Museum got its annual smartening up yesterday.

The uniform, which dates from about 1854 and was worn during the Battle of Alma, in the Crimean War - when the Green Howards won their first battle honour - was spruced up at the museum in Richmond, North Yorkshire.

It is a rare survivor of the attire worn by private soldiers in the 19th Century and will be among the principal attractions when the museum opens again next year after a winter's break - which has been devoted to refurbishing all the exhibits.

As well as brushing up all of the uniforms, museum attendant Steve Rarity said he and his colleagues have had to polish more than 3,000 medals and an equal number of brass buttons.

Major Roger Chapman, of the Green Howards Museum, said: "We close for two months - December and January - each year.

"It is the time we need to get everything prepared in best military fashion for the new season. Plans for 2001 include some innovative displays and a special exhibition of our most prized medals.