THE Duke of Wellington's Regiment could have its fate sealed on Monday.

Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon, pictured visiting British Black Watch troops in the southern Iraqi city of Basra this week, is expected to make a statement in the Commons on plans to restructure the British Army.

The Dukes - who recruit heavily in Huddersfield - are expected to be merged with the Green Howards and the Prince of Wales's Own Regiment.

Old soldiers and families have protested at the plans to axe the Dukes after 300 years.

Hundreds attended a rally in Halifax.

Men from the Dukes are currently on their second tour of duty in southern Iraq.

Sir Evelyn Carter-Webb, the regiment's colonel, condemned the merger plans as catastrophic for the men in Basra.