The name of the new Bristol Rovers' new mascot has been announced - and it is Captain Black Arab.

After sifting through dozens of suggestions made by fans and Bristol Evening Post readers, the club has chosen to name Captain Gas’ replacement Captain Black Arab.

Rovers were called the Black Arabs when the club formed in September 1883 - because the team wore black and played on a pitch next to a rugby team called the Arabs.

The new mascot, inspired by Captain Jack Sparrow in the film Pirates of the Caribbean, replaces the old Captain Gas. He sports a long, bushy beard, an eyepatch and a blue and white bandana.

Captain Black Arab made his debut appearance at the Memorial Ground when Rovers played Walsall on September 20.

The Bristol Evening Post launched a competition at the start of September to help the club name the mascot.

Suggestions flooded in and the winning name was chosen by Rovers’ director Barry Bradshaw and other club staff.

The club wanted the new name to have links with the club’s history, its blue and white colours or have a nautical theme.

Among the shortlisted suggestions were Captain Blue Beard, Captain Quarters, The Memorial Man and The Jolly Blue Pirate.

Bristol Rovers chairman Nick Higgs said: “It was a difficult decision, as there were some good names put forward, as well as a few strange choices.

“A number of people made reference to Black Arab, but Captain Black Arab sounds more like a pirate.

“It also ties in well with our 125 year anniversary which is taking place this season. We hope the new mascot will allow fans to remember our proud history as well as looking forward to the future.

“We have recently launched a new Black Arab kit to help mark our anniversary and will be holding a host of celebrations later in the season.”

David Bevan, a 57-year-old administration assistant from Whitchurch, suggested the winning name Captain Black Arab and will receive VIP tickets to a Rovers game of his choice.

He said: “It’s great that I’ve won. I thought the name Captain Black Arab was in line with the club’s history.”

Supporters club chairman Jim Chappell said: “The name’s a good one because it’s got the club’s old name attached to it.”

Rovers were formed in September 1883 following a meeting in an Eastville restaurant organised by a 19-year-old school teacher.

The Black Arabs name only lasted one season, before the club changed its name to Eastville Rovers in 1884 in a bid to attract more support.