PLANS in which the Green Howards regiment could keep its identity despite a Government overhaul of the Armed Forces have been welcomed.

Defence secretary Geoff Hoon announced sweeping changes to the Armed Forces last month.

Fears were raised that the shake-up would mean a loss of identity, with Yorkshire regiments, including the Richmond-based Green Howards, merging with Lancashire regiments and one unit disbanding.

Colonels from the Northern regiments met at the Royal Military Academy, in Sandhurst, Surrey, last week to discuss the plans.

They came up with proposals in which separate Yorkshire and Lancashire regiments would be created.

Under the plans, the Duke of Wellington's Regiment, the Green Howards and the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment of Yorkshire would be amalgamated.

But they could keep their regimental insignia on their uniforms and their names could be part of the titles.

The Green Howards could become the 2nd battalion (Green Howards) Yorkshire Regiment.

The plans will be considered by the Army Board, but a decision is unlikely to be made until next year.

Retired Major Roger Chapman, a spokesman for the Green Howards, which recruits in North Yorkshire and Teesside, said the plan meant the regiment would retain its identity and links with the area.

He said: "What everyone felt strongly about was cutting the infantry at all at a very dangerous time, internationally and domestically, with terrorism and the pressure from domestic problems such as fires.

"We want to retain the links with the local community."