John Smith MP: Welcoming expected annoucement

The relocation of the 600-strong army personnel from the its current base is part of a major investment in the RAF base, whose long-term future has been in question for some time.

It will be the first time the Welsh Guards have been based in their homeland since they were formed during the First World War.

The move had been made possible becausethe regiment has been due to be posted to a barracks in Londonderry in Northern Ireland which is now to close following the 1998 peace agreement.

Mr Ingram also announced the Defence Aviation Repair Agency (DARA) and the Welsh Development Agency (WDA) will continue to work in partnership, at the St Athan base.

Most of the RAF's operations in Wales are based on Anglesey

Welsh Secretary Paul Murphy said the move would ensure the long-term future of RAF St Athan and boost the local economy.

"The RAF St Athan site has a long and proud tradition of providing first-class service and continues to do so through DARA," Mr Murphy said.

"Today's announcements build on these solid foundations by utilising surplus accommodation at the West Camp site for the 1st Battalion, the Welsh Guards, with a study into the possibility of locating a second Army unit at West Camp."

St Athan is currently a training and research base for the RAF.

Most of their Welsh operations including search and rescue are in Anglesey at RAF Valley.

Some local residents have already expressed concerns about the arrival of the Welsh Guards, saying any influx of jobs would put a strain on the small village's infrastructure.

New prosperity

However, the MP for the Vale of Glamorgan John Smith has welcomed the announcement.

"If this is done properly, this will bring new investment and a new prosperity - and this can only benefit the community," said Mr Smith.

The Welsh Guards were formed during some of the worst battles of the First World War - on February 28, 1915.

Since then they have taken part in most of the major engagements of the British army - including the Falklands conflict twenty years ago.

They have also conducted several tours of duty in Northern Ireland and this month they are due to deploy to the Balkans for a six-month tour.

Until now, the regimental HQ have been at the Wellington Barracks in London with two small recruiting teams in Cardiff and Rhyl, in north Wales.