RAF LYNEHAM could be saved if it was turned into a new base for a rapid reaction force.

This is the suggestion of North Wiltshire MP James Gray, who continues to campaign for the future of the base which provides employment for 3,200.

The Government's strategic review into the future of its RAF airbases is due to be published in January.

It anticipated that it could call for the closure of RAF Lyneham.

Mr Gray today suggested that Lyneham be considered as a new location for at least some of the MoD's rapid-reaction troops.

Lyneham is thought to be relatively safe until 2010 when its fleet of 29 Hercules C130 Ks are set to go out of service.

But in the meantime the review may decide to transfer the 25 newer Hercules C130 Js to Brize Norton.

If that happens, the Conservative MP said he is hopeful that some other means will be found to make use of Lyneham.

He said: "There will be spare capacity it could be used for commercial airlines, or perhaps housing or factory space.

"My preferred option is an alternative military use possibly as a base for a rapid reaction force.

"The army's rapid reaction force is currently based in Colchester but it could make more sense for them to be based alongside the transport planes that are used to deploy them.

"The spare capacity at Lyneham could be used to house a battalion of infantry, a battalion of special forces as well as supply troops and medics all in one place."

Lyneham was dealt a blow last month when the MoD announced that the new A400M supply plane will be based at Brize Norton.

Campaigners for Lyneham had hoped that the new aircraft would be based there thus safeguarding the future of the Wiltshire airbase.

Mr Gray said the fact that the A400M is not going to Lyneham does not spell the end.

He said: "We have lost the battle but we have not lost the war."