CHORLEY MP Lindsay Hoyle has waged war against plans that could spell the end of the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR).

Mr Hoyle has vowed never to stop fighting to keep the prestigious regiment's identity.

He said: "It has a very fine history and I wouldn't like to see it merged with another regiment.

"It's important that it keeps that history for itself and is remembered for the outstanding regiment that has 19 Victoria Crosses to its credit."

His words come after proposed changes for a government restructuring of the armed forces were announced.

Under the proposals, the QLR could merge with the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment to the north, and the Kings Regiment to the south. No decision has yet been made, but Geoff Hoon, minister for the armed forces, is expected to make an announcement in the House of Commons next Wednesday.

Mr Hoyle said: "Even if the announcement next week is to merge I will still fight it with MPs from around Lancashire and the North West to try and stop it going ahead.

"The battle has begun but the war is not over."

The QLR, which has its regimental headquarters at Fulwood Barracks in Preston, has won more battle honours than any other infantry regiment and recruits primarily from the Lancashire area.

The unit is currently based in Cyprus.