AS the campaign to save the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR) rumbles on, more than 500 soldiers from Lancashire prepare to celebrate its prestigious history.

They will attend a service, known affectionately to QLR troops as 'The October Revolution', at Warrington Parish Church, the regimental chapel, this Sunday.

The annual remembrance and regimental reunion has been held there since 1938 and attracts retired and serving soldiers from across the UK and countries as far as Canada.

They will be joined by public dignitaries, including Mayor of Preston Coun Pat Woods and Mayor of South Ribble Coun Matthew Tomlinson, and the general public.

Lieutenant Colonel John Downham, regimental secretary and organiser of the event, said: "We used to have a barracks in Warrington and that's how our connection began. It's a tremendous occasion and the church is always packed full."

Retired soldiers and young cadets will march through the streets with the army band in remembrance of serving and retired soldiers.

The service comes as the future of the QLR, which has its regimental headquarters at Fulwood Barracks, Watling Street Road, Preston, hangs in the balance following the proposed merger with those to the north and the south.

Councillor Woods, who gave a notice of motion at a full council meeting today (Thursday) in support of keeping the regiment's Lancashire identity, said: "It's very important we keep the Lancashire identity. The event on Sunday will show the QLR is not just about working through a conflict but also their great efforts at peacekeeping which should be recognised more."

Councillor Tomlinson said: "I'm looking forward to attending one of the most interesting events in the mayoral calendar and supporting the regiment at a difficult time."

To sign the official petition against the proposed merger pop into the Citizen's Winckley Square offices, Monday-Friday, 9am-5pm.