Readers have backed a former serviceman's battle for pension rights.

Last week, The Argus revealed Edward Cope, 67, of Horsham Close in Brighton had served nine years in the army but wasn't entitled to a pension.

He signed up on his 18th birthday and served in Africa, Germany and Cyprus.

Ministry of Defence policy stated no servicemen or women who served between 1949 and 1975 would receive any pension unless they had completed a full military career of 22 years.

Mr Cope is among thousands of former soldiers who are demanding they receive money for the time served.

The campaign has been backed by a number of Sussex MPs including Michael Foster, Des Turner and Peter Bottomley.

Visitors to the The Argus's website have left messages of support for Mr Cope.

Ian, from Upper Beeding, said: "I served from 1963 to 1972 in Aden, Radfan (both in the Yemen), Borneo, Cyprus, Northern Ireland and Oman. I think we should get something for our time."

Stuart, from Newhaven, added: "Although I only served for four years in the Fleet Air Arm - 1971 to 1975 - that is four years' worth of pension money I could have added to a pension in later life. To me it's a cop-out by the Government to try to get out of paying what would have been, in those days, an entitlement paid by any other employer as part of the wages packet."

Andrew Keenan, from Brighton, said: "I served from 1960 to 1970 in the UK, Malaysia, Cyprus and Germany. So recognition for this service would be welcome."

Since 1975 servicemen and women have received pensions after serving a minimum of two years. The Armed Forces Pensions Group has been campaigning for several years for payments to be made to veterans.

They are planning to take their campaign to Parliament on April 17.

For more information about the campaign visit afpgsteering.

com.tripod.com or contact Mr Cope on 01273 628057.