A TORY councillor is urging Bolton Council to join the fight to save the Queen's Lancashire Regiment from extinction.

Cllr John Walsh, of the Astley Bridge ward, wants his colleagues in the council chamber to send a message to the Government that they would consider the disbanding of the unit to be "yet another attempt to sweep away our heritage and history".

He has put forward a motion, which if passed, would see the council lobby MPs and the defence minister Geoff Hoon abandon the plans.

The Queen's Lancashire Regiment is among the favourites to be one of three English infantry battalions which will be scrapped at the start of next year.

The move is part of plans to streamline the armed forces and replace larger units of soldiers with investment in hi-tech equipment.

But campaigners say removing the county's name from the army would be an insult to thousands who lost their lives while fighting for their country.

Cllr Walsh said: "The regiment has strong links with the borough of Bolton and many local recruits have served the regiment with pride, honour and distinction." The Queen's Lancashire, which dates back to 1689, remains the only regiment of any army to have fought on every continent.

The other two political groups on the council have offered support for Cllr Walsh's motion.

Cllr Roger Hayes, deputy leader of the Liberal Democrats, said: "The regiment has been connected with the area for a very long time and it would be sad if it were lost."

Labour leader Cllr Cliff Morris added: "We understand the Government has to reorganise but we will be fighting against them to try and retain the identity of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment."