Shaun of the Dead star Simon Pegg has joined forces with PETA, starring in a new ad campaign shot by legendary photographer Rankin, urging the Ministry of Defence to replace the bearskins used for the Queen's Guard's caps with faux bear fur.

The British actor and writer commented 'It’s a disgrace that soldiers in the Queen’s Guard are still parading around with the fur of bears who were gunned down in Canada. The caps serve no military purpose, and each one costs at least one bear their life. The ceremonial bearskins could easily be replaced with faux fur, retaining the traditional look but eliminating the cruelty. It’s time for the Ministry of Defence to drop the petty excuses and make the switch – it’s what the British public wants and what bears need'.