THE Three Musketeers may have been one short when they were in Burnley town centre to protest against council tax - but it didn't stop them winning some public support.

The veterans, Fred Nelson, 83, and Harry McWhinney, 93, were in town on Saturday minus their protest partner, Jim Large, 81, after he was taken ill earlier in the week.

The battling duo were joined by family members and councillor Gordon Birtwistle to help highlight their plight.

They have launched their campaign to axe the council tax under the names of The Three Musketeers - Aramis, Athos and Porthos.

In just half an hour the team generated around 100 signatures - with not one person who was asked refusing to sign the petition. Coun Birtwistle said: "We fought against closing down Ebor House which is where Harry used to live which is how I know them. They also used to write letters in the local press under the pseudonyms - The Three Musketeers.

"They didn't know what to do about this so I helped them organise the petition which is being sent to Tony Blair.

"The feedback from the people in Burnley has been really positive - everybody we have asked has signed the petition."

A pensioner, who signed the petition but asked not to be named, said: "I live on my own and have to pay nearly £1,000-a-year and that's with a 25 per cent discount. I am really struggling and know a lot of other people in the same boat so I fully support this campaign."

The trio are exempt from paying council tax because they live at Dove Court Residential Home, Burnley, but they plan to take their duel to the highest level in a bid to get their voices heard.

Harry, a retired cotton mill worker, said: "I fought to help prevent the care homes closures and at 93 years old appeared on television twice, which isn't bad for someone of my age.

"I will do the same again, but hope that this time the people are listened to.

"The problem is that every year the council tax rises but people just simply can't afford it. It's getting people into debt which is a totally unfair system."