DEFIANT supporters of the Welsh Cavalry took their fight to save the regiment to Downing Street today.

Armed with a petition with more than 3,000 signatures, supporters of the regiment, officially known as the 1st Queen’s Dragoon Guards, attended a rally and photo call in Parliament Square, before advancing to No.10.

The regiment, which traces its history back for more than 300 years, is under threat of disbandment or amalgamation with another regiment as part of the upcoming strategic defence review, with job cuts possible as the army is cut from 102,000 to 82,000 by 2020.

Chris Gibbons, 54, from Magor, served in the Queen’s Dragoon Guards for 22 years, seeing active service in Northerrn Ireland, Bosnia and Iraq during the first Gulf war.

Speaking to the Argus from Parliament Square, Mr Gibbons, said: "Fifty-five of us came down on the coach from Cardiff and there was another 50 or so who made their own way down here.

"I want the Prime Minister and the Defence Secretary to think again about disbanding this historic regiment. They are putting a lot of people’s jobs and their families under huge pressure.

"I am proud to have served this regiment and I am not prepared to see it become part of history."

Jessica Morden, MP for Newport East who attended the rally , said: "A lot of people have contacted me who are very concerned about the future of the regiment and the strength of feeling has been obvious."

Chris Evans, MP for Islwyn, said: “Any plans to destroy the identity and proud history of one of Wales’ oldest army regiments due to the Tory-led government’s cuts would be a massive blow to Wales.

“I met with Guards from Gwent during today’s rally at Westminster and I stand full-square behind them.”