Regiment petition taken to Hoon

Geoff Hoon announced spending cuts in the forces in the summer

A petition fighting plans to disband a West Yorkshire regiment is to be presented to the Defence Secretary by three MPs from the region.

The Duke of Wellington's regiment, which has strong links with Calderdale, Huddersfield, Bradford and Keighley, is under threat due to spending cuts.

Chris McCafferty, Alice Mahon and Ann Cryer say it is important the views of people in the region are recognised.

A final decision on whether to disband the unit will be announced in December.

The regiment, which is currently based in Germany, has a drill hall in Huddersfield and its former barracks at Wellesley Park in Halifax still stand.

The MPs are to present the petition, which calls for "the long-standing historical links between the Dukes and our county to be treasured and maintained", to Geoff Hoon on Monday.