FALKLANDS War veteran Colin Waite has called on the Prime Minister to support his campaign to save the Royal Navy's oldest warship.

The former Royal Marine, from Middleton-in-Teesdale, County Durham, needs to raise the money to save HMS Fearless, which was decommissioned by the Royal Navy earlier this year.

The 43-year-old, who served on HMS Fearless during the conflict, has already received support from former Prime Minister Lady Margaret Thatcher, who has given the campaign her full support.

Despite the backing of the Iron Lady, Downing Street has failed to lend its support to the Save the Fearless campaign.

A spokesman for Downing Street said: "When battleships are decommissioned, they are sold off, and that has always been the case. HMS Fearless has served the country admirably, but it will be replaced. It has been in active service for many years and, sadly, we can't make an exception for her, but we are very proud of the role she has played, especially in the Falklands conflict."

However, Mr Waite, who left the Royal Marines in 1984, has received support from his local MP, Derek Foster, who has given his full support to the campaign.

He is also hopeful that the Prince of Wales and Prince Andrew, who served in the Falklands War, will also lend their support.

A spokesman for Buckingham Palace was unavailable for comment last night.

Mr Waite said: "This campaign is proving to be a very tough assignment, but the future of HMS Fearless is something that I have taken to heart, and I'm determined to succeed.

"I've had support from around the world, and high-profile backing has really helped to boost the campaign, but we desperately need financial backing if it is to prove a success."

If his campaign fails, HMS Fearless, which served as the Royal Navy's command ship in the amphibious assault on the Falklands Islands, will be sold to India as scrap metal.

Mr Waite needs to raise more than £1m to buy the ship and transform it into a Falklands War museum.

To find out more about the campaign, visit the website at www.hmsfearless.co.uk