THE ARMY'S top brass were expected to meet last night to thrash out names for a new merged regiment that could include the Queen's Lancashire Regiment (QLR).

Brigadier Geoffrey Sheldon, colonel of the QLR, Colonel Malcolm Grant Howarth, of the Kings Regiment, and Colonel Mike Griffiths, of the Kings Own Royal Border Regiment, were due to meet at an undisclosed location.

Six possible names are understood to be up for discussion and the one selected will be put to the Ministry of Defence as the preferred option, if the merger goes ahead.

Lieutenant Colonel John Downham, regimental secretary to the QLR, said: "The three colonels of the regiments will meet on Wednesday night.

"There are six names being discussed and negotiations are at a very crucial stage. We are hoping a decision will be made but it could happen that all six are rejected.

"I can't tell you any of the names as it could affect the negotiations but I can confirm they will not meet in Preston.

"It is certainly a very crucial week for the Queen's Lancashire Regiment."

The news heralds the next step of the campaign to save the regiment.

The Citizen threw its weight behind the effort following Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon's announcement in the House of Commons in July when he highlighted plans to cut a northern regiment.

Since then tens of thousands of people have thrown their support behind the campaign and have signed the official petition including at our Winckley Square offices.

Lt Col Downham said: "At our last count a fortnight ago we had over 10,000 signatures.

"We've been so pleased with the support the public have given us and hope it will continue."