CONTROVERSIAL proposals to merge three historic Yorkshire regiments into a brand new "super-regiment" have been backed by Vale of York MP Anne McIntosh.

The Prince of Wales's Own Regiment, based in York, and the Richmond-based

Green Howards, who recruit in North Yorkshire, accept they might be forced to amalgamate to survive a Ministry of Defence (MoD) shake-up.

Their colonels reckon the creation of a new Yorkshire Regiment, including the

Halifax-based Duke of Wellington's Regiment, is preferable to being

disbanded.

Three regular battalions would be formed from the historic regiments,

enabling soldiers to retain their cap badges, colours, traditions and names.

MPs who lobbied Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon to demand the retention of the regiments have admitted they would be happy with the compromise.

Miss McIntosh is one of 30 MPs who have signed a Parliamentary early day motion urging the MoD to agree to the deal.

The motion reads: "This House believes that, given the exemplary recruitment record of the Duke of Wellington's Regiment and the excellent record of the two other Yorkshire Regiments, the Prince of Wales's Own Yorkshire Regiment and the Green Howards, that a new Yorkshire Regiment of three regular battalions should be formed from these historic regiments."

The MoD wants to merge Britain's 19 single-battalion regiments in a bid to cut costs and aid recruitment.

The Army Board - in charge of the Army's management will decide on the regiments' future in mid-December.

Updated: 10:19 Wednesday, November 10, 2004