The Worcestershire and Sherwood Foresters' headquarters in Norton could be axed as part of the controversial merger with other regiments.

The Woofers will be subsumed into a new regional Mercian regiment by the end of next year, as part of cost-cutting measures.

Now the Ministry of Defence has announced a review of where the regiments' headquarters are based and how many are needed. The Norton base - where five full-time staff and 11 volunteers work - could well be a casualty of the cuts.

Sgt Maj Peter Wiltshire, who served with the Foresters between 1958 and 1983 was shocked by the news.

"To lose the headquarters would be devastating," said the 62-year-old. "It's a complete disgrace."

He said that Norton played a vital role and was the first port of call in times of trouble.

Mr Wiltshire also helped set up a petition to take to London demanding that the historic name be retained when the regiments are merged.

Major Bob Prophet served with the Woofers and is the regimental secretary at Norton.

"If the headquarters in Worcester is closed down it would be a great shame for the present and past members, many of whom do research and maintain contact with their comrades," he said.

"Norton provides a very important link between the regiment and the civilian community, from whom our soldiers are recruited."

The Woofers are divided between Norton Barracks and Nottingham. The Stafford-shire's headquarters are in Lichfield and the Cheshires' in Chester Castle.

Armed Forces Minister Adam Ingram said: "As we work to implement the future infantry structure, it is appropriate that we examine whether the supporting infrastructure of regimental headquarters is correctly configured."

A review has been commissioned to study the current network and recommend the 'most effective and efficient' way forward. It will report towards the end of the year.

The news comes on the eve of the annual reunion of the Woofers, to be held at Worcester Rugby Club on Saturday, June 4.