FEARS Gurkha soldiers could be facing the axe have been met with dismay by Dorset veterans of the legendary regiment.

The Queens Gurkha Signals enjoy the freedom of Blandford, as many members of the regiment spend time at Blandford Camp’s Royal School of Signals.

Staff Sergeant Gyan Tamang, a former Gurkha, now chairman of the Blandford Royal British Legion, said: “If the government makes this decision, it will erase 200 years of history. I believe the Gurkhas have done their bit to support the British people and the public will feel badly if that was to change.”

Former army officer turned Conservative MP, Patrick Mercer, has warned everything was “up for grabs” as the Ministry of Defence attempts to balance the books

Meanwhile, Asbahadur Gurung, who served with the Gurkhas for 28 years, said it would be a “big mistake” for sweeping defence cuts to spell the end of the regiment.

The former captain, who runs the Gurkha Restaurant in Sandford, also works with veterans attempting to resettle in the UK.

Mr Mercer told GMTV: “Everything at the moment is up for grabs, particularly in terms of the balance between whether we cut kit or manpower. The great benefit the Gurkhas had was they were cheap, – much cheaper than the British equivalent – and second, they were plentiful.”

His remarks come after reports the regiment could be one of several sacrificed as a result of a government dispute over defence funding.

Mr Tamang, who served for 21 years in the Queens Gurkha Signals, said: “To hear Gurkha soldiers served in the British Army because they were cheaper is a disappointing thing to hear.”

An MoD spokesman said: “The defence secretary has made clear tough decisions will need to be made but the complex process of a review will be concluded in the autumn.

“Speculation at this stage about its outcome is entirely unfounded.”