The Wrexham-based third battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers and the Cardiff-based Royal Regiment of Wales are to merge on Thursday to form one new battalion.

The merger - which forms part of the Government's Strategic Defence Review - follows a long campaign in Wrexham to retain the third battalion of the Royal Welch Fusiliers.

Wales will get new TA battalion

The regiment, the oldest infantry regiment in Wales, was formed in 1689, and has a long association with the Wrexham area. It recruits heavily locally and has often exercised its right to march through the town.

One of the regiment's historic trophies, the Burma Bell, a relic of its service in the Far East, is on permanent display outside Wrexham council's Guildhall.

Flags to be lowered

The new regiment - which will be known as the Royal Welsh Regiment - will still have two companies based in Wrexham but the headquarters of the battalion will be at the Maindy Barracks in Cardiff

On Wednesday night, both regiments will lower their flags and sound the Last Post for the final time before a ceremony in Cardiff on Thursday to raise the flag of the new battalion.