A SEARCH is on for thousands of former soldiers who have served in Swindon's own army regiment.

They are wanted to attend a special Millennium reunion of what is now the Royal Gloucestershire, Berkshire and Wiltshire Regiment.

The RGBW was formed in 1994 through the amalgamation of the Gloucestershire Regiment and the Duke of Edinburgh's Royal Regiment, which in turn was formed in 1959 when the Royal Berkshires merged with the Wiltshires.

Despite these amalgamations over the years the Regimental Association of the RGBW still has on file the names of thousands of soldiers who saw service with one or other of the regiments.

And, said Regimental secretary Captain Ian Spence, everything is being done to make sure as many of these old soldiers as possible know about the reunion which takes place during the weekend of July 29-30.

Captain Spence said: Many of them have lost touch with the Regiment as a result of the amalgamations, or by moving away from the area where they served. But now some may be moving back into the locality or have finished a second career and would like to come back into the fold and meet up with their old comrades again.

The get-together starts with a Regimental Association dinner and dance at the South Wilts Golf Club on July 29 but the highlight of the weekend will be a Millennium Service next day in Salisbury Cathedral starting at 11.45am.

Further information can be obtained by ringing 01452 522682 or 01722 414536. E-mail rhqrgbwatmilnet.uk.net.