PROUD Prestonians have pledged their support to save the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR) from being scrapped.

In July this year the regiment's future was put in doubt after Armed Forces minister, Geoff Hoon, revealed plans to cut three infantry battalions from England and one in Scotland.

It is feared the QLR, whose headquarters are at Fulwood Barracks, Watling Street Road, Preston, could be among those merged.

On Monday evening civic dignitaries, councillors and local MPs met at the barracks for the official launch of a county-wide petition agiainst the Ministry of Defence plan.

The Citizen has backed the QLR's fight and yesterday (Wednesday) reporter Emma Mayoh and photographer Kevin Walsh went out onto the streets of Preston to muster support.

David Rothwell, 17, who lives in Korea Road, Preston, at the back of the barracks, said: "It's the only county regiment in Lancashire. My dad is a soldier in the 5 General Support Medical Core, based at the barracks, and I know he would be sad to see it go and so would I.

"It has a lot of prestige and I don't want to see that move out of Lancashire."

Pensioner Michael Burland, 71, believes the regiment's historic roots are too important to lose.

"They should keep the regiment and I know I'm not the only person to think it. It's all about tradition. If we lose tradition we lose everything."

Sandra Sung, 33, owner of Winckley's cafe bar, Winckley Street, said: "It's really important to keep the regiment as part of Lancashire history.

"There are a lot of people in Preston who have a connection to it and it would be a great shame for this to be cut."

Laura Sumner, 21, a photography student at the University of Central Lancashire, said: "I'm originally from Crewe but I've learnt about the QLR since I've been studying here.

"I know it plays an important part in Lancashire and I'm sure it'll make a lot more so it's really important to keep it."

But Steve Gregory, from Bolton, who was shopping in Preston yesterday, said: "I know a few people from Lancashire who are soldiers but they are not based in Lancashire.I don't think it matters that recruits need to be in the regiment from their area."

What do you think? Write and tell us your views or visit our offices in Chapel Street, near Winckley Square, to sign the petition.