Disney Rhino gets a second chance

For decades the name Rocky has been associated with the ultimate underdog story of a boxer from Philadelphia - but a dopey cartoon rhino created more than 40 years ago is set to grab the limelight.

Rocky the Rhino should have been a star in the Disney classic The Jungle Book, but was unceremoniously cut from the 1967 film.

But, like a true gutsy underdog, he is going to get another chance after archivists searched Disney's library and discovered drawings of him.

The story of the discovery of Rocky and an introduction to the character will feature in the 40th anniversary DVD of the children's favourite. Walt Disney personally created Rocky and described him as a 'loveable rhinoceros who is half blind and extremely dumb'. His character had been written and developed over months, and he was pencilledin to make his screen debut as Mowgli meets the friendly vultures.

He was even going to show off his vocal skills by singing a full verse of the final song, That's What Friends Are For.

Mystery surrounds why Rocky was dropped, missing his chance to become a household name like Baloo the bear, Shere Khan the tiger or king of the swingers King Louie.

The DVD will be released on November 5.