BARONESS Margaret Thatcher has thrown her weight behind a campaign by a Falklands War veteran to save one of the greatest symbols of the 1982 conflict from being sold for scrap.

HMS Fearless, a 37-year-old amphibious assault warship, played a key role during the campaign. Veterans of the conflict hope to turn her into a floating museum.

HMS Fearless returned to Portsmouth last month to be decommissioned, but Lady Thatcher said it would make a wonderful memorial to the troops who fought in the Falklands.

In a letter to former Royal Marine Colin Waite, of Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, Lady Thatcher said she was delighted to hear of his efforts to save the Fearless - 20 years after she ordered the ship into battle.

"As we mark the anniversary of the Falklands War there could not be a more fitting time to launch such a campaign," the former Conservative party leader said.

"The courage and determination of all those who served in the South Atlantic were an example to the world and it would be wonderful if Fearless could be retained in order to provide a living memorial to our armed forces.

"I wish you well in all you are doing," she said.

Former Falkland Islands governor Sir Rex Hunt and ex-Defence Secretary Sir John Nott have also confirmed they are backing the campaign.

Portsmouth and Southampton harbours, as well as Portland in Dorset, have been reported as saying they would consider giving a home to a Fearless museum.

Mr Waite said yesterday: "The Fearless is part of our country's heritage, and was at the heart of what was an immensely important conflict for our nation.

"I'm very pleased Lady Thatcher has pledged her support and hopefully the campaign can go from strength to strength and create a lasting museum and memorial to the conflict.

"Support is growing, with donations coming from as far away as America, but I desperately need more financial support and backing to succeed."

To find out more about the campaign, or to pledge support, visit the website at www.hmsfearless.co.uk