NORTH Wiltshire MP James Gray believes the newly published Strategic Defence Review strengthens the argument for saving RAF Lyneham.

The Government document released last week emphasises the need for troops to be able to move quickly from one hot spot to another.

Mr Gray said: "I think this part of the report is hopeful and helpful for our Lyneham campaign.

"It makes it clear that flexibility is important and that troop carriers such as the Hercules are an integral part of that.

"I think it strengthens our case for keeping both Lyneham and Brize Norton."

But Mr Gray, who until Tuesday was the Conservative shadow spokesman on defence, issued a word of caution.

He said: "It would be easy to read too much into it but my gut reaction is that we are going to win the day.

"I am still getting tremendous response from the community and while I don't want to be too optimistic I think we can do this."

Last November, Ministry of Defence chiefs announced they were reviewing the future of RAF Lyneham as they researched the most suitable base for the new A400M aircraft, which will work with the C-130J Hercules to form the RAF's air transport fleet.

The review will also consider the future of RAF bases at Brize Norton and St Mawgan and the results are expected in the early part of the summer.

Mr Gray presented a protest petition with 11,600 names on it to Parliament earlier this year but a decision is not expected until the autumn.