The army's top brass will today decide which four historic regiments are to be culled as a result of sweeping Ministry of Defence reforms.

The Royal Regiment of Fusiliers fears it is under threat because intense lobbying by Labour MPs, including Tony Blair and Alan Milburn, has reportedly saved the Green Howards, which recruit in the North East.

The decision on how to cut three of the four infantry battalions has effectively already been made.

The Executive Committee of the Army Board decides today on the fourth battalion.