A MORECAMBE man is leading a campaign to save Lancaster's adopted regiment from the latest threatened Government defence cuts.

Gordon Tyson, who is secretary of the local branch of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment Association, is organising a petition to blunt the axe.

It is less than two weeks since men from the King's Own marched through Lancaster city centre with bayonets fixed to underline their role as Freemen of the borough, pictured right.

But now the regiment is facing a new enemy, says Mr Tyson, of Westgate.

And he urges local people: "Do not allow it to be merged or amalgamated with other regi-ments. We must all join the fight to keep our title, customs, traditions and recruiting area.

"We ask you to help the regiment in any way you can by signing our petition, starting one of your own, writing to your MP, lobbying local government or even bombarding newspapers with letters. Every action will help."

Mr Tyson describes the King's Own Royal Borderers as Lancaster's local regiment, with ties going back to 1881, and says it is vital that the number of soldiers in the British Army is not cut back.

"We are not just a fighting force but peace keepers too. Computers and technical devices cannot help the Army put food in a child's belly, help rebuild accommodation or protect the innocent but men of the King's Own Royal Border Regiment can," he says.

"Who did the Government turn to in the foot-and-mouth crisis and during the firemen's strike but the infantry. We must not let them be axed without a fight."

To back Mr Tyson's campaign, complete the coupon below with your signature, name and address. Then cut it out and return it to him at 7 Meadow Court Road, Westgate, Morecambe LA4 4SW.

Alternatively, a copy of the petition can be signed in reception at the Citizen office at Unit Four, Victoria Court, Penny Street, Lancaster LA1 1XN. Or you can write to Mr Tyson with your views and support.