FOOTBALL legend Sir Tom Finney has come out in support of the Citizen's campaign to save the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR) from a merger that, army chiefs say, would erode its identity.

Earlier this year the Ministry of Defence announced its intentions to modernise the structure of armed forces, which could include a plan to merge the QLR with other regiments.

Several weeks ago a campaign and petition was launched to save the regiment, which has its headquarters at Fulwood Barracks, in Deepdale, Preston, from becoming a relic doomed to the history books.

Campaigners believe that merging the regiment could spell problems for its recruitment and morale.

Former PNE and England player, Sir Tom, who fought in the Second World War, is supporting the campaign because he believes it is vital to keep the Queen's Lancashire Regiment in its current form.

"I was in the 9th Queen's Royal Lancers from 1942 to 1946 and served in Egypt and Italy," he said.

"I think it is very important to keep the regiment in Lancashire, so yes I am supporting the campaign."

"I just think it is so sad that a regiment of such an age, and of such importance to the people of Lancashire could be got rid of."

Lieutenant Colonel John Downham said any changes imposed from Whitehall should not mean that the QLR loses its historic Lancashire identity.

He added: "To our mind there is no good reason for changing the regiment, but if there must be change lets make sure we keep the positive elements we have already and not invent something that has got no roots." A formal decision is expected from the Ministry of Defence in November.