Plaid Cymru MP Elfyn Llwyd has urged the defence secretary to protect the identity of the Welsh army regiments. 

The Welsh nationalist parliamentary leader was set to meet Geoff Hoon on Monday to discuss the issue.

He was also handing in a petition to Number 10, highlighting public opposition to plans being put forward by senior army officers.

Llwyd said the titles of the nation's three current regiment - the Royal Welch Fusiliers, the Royal Regiment of Wales and the Royal Welsh Regiment - should remain.

Under current proposals they would be placed with a new Royal Welsh regiment.

Plaid said Wales was being unfairly treated in comparison with Scotland.

"The petition we are presenting today demonstrates the level of opposition to the government’s plans to get rid of the distinctive identity of our Welsh regiments," said Llwyd.

"I will ask Geoff Hoon to listen to people in Wales who believe that the titles of the Royal Welch Fusiliers, the Royal Regiment of Wales and the Royal Welsh Regiment should remain.

"Those regiments have a tradition of serving Wales well. Any change would risk undermining morale and recruitment at time when the army faces severe challenges around the world.

"It seems that the government has one rule for Scotland and another for Wales. Our nations should be treated equally."

He also said minister should "take responsibility for their actions" and not "hide behind the decisions of the army board".