Black WatchSOLDIERS from the 1st Bttn Black Watch will leave Warminster in December, slightly earlier than planned.

The Yorkshire-based Duke of Wellington's Regiment will fly in from Germany to replace them at Battlesbury barracks.

This week CO Lt Col James Cowan expressed his sadness the troops had not seen more of the town but said he looked forward to the remaining time in Warminster.

He said: "The probability is we are going in December. As is the case with the army things are always liable to change."

Lt Col Cowan said his most abiding memory was marching through the town in December.

"It was a tremendous privilege and the people of Warminster were so welcoming, it was really uplifting," he said.

"The military is obviously very important to Warminster and I think we contribute a lot to the local economy."

The Black Watch was on the front pages of the national press for much of last year, after six soldiers were killed during the battalion's deployment to Iraq, including four in one tragic week.

In December, Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon announced the historic regiment would be amalgamated into one super Scottish regiment.

The battalion's next posting will be to Holywood in Northern Ireland.

Warminster mayor Martin Baker said the military always play a crucial role in the town.

He said: "The soldiers are part of the fabric of Warminster. Of course we shall welcome with open arms the next regiment that comes here."