An armed forces veteran has received the backing from MPs to lobby the Government for pension rights.

Edward Cope, of Horsham Close, Brighton, is one of thousands of former-soldiers who served between 1949 and 1975 who are not entitled to claim any pension for the time served.

Ministry of Defence regulations between 1949 and 1975 state only servicemen and women who served 22 years receive pensions.

Mr Cope said: "This is wrong.

"I think it's about time we started getting recognised for what we have done."

Mr Cope, 67, signed up on his 18th birthday and served as a private in the army for nine years.

He was posted in Germany, Africa and Cyprus.

In 1975 the Armed Forces Pension Scheme came into force and service men and women now receive money after serving just two years.

The campaign has been launched by the Armed Forces Pension group and the combined Armed Forces groups.

They are fighting for pension credits to be backdated and time served to be recognised.

Sussex MPs Michael Foster, Laura Moffatt, Peter Bottomley, Nicholas Soames and Des Turner have joined more than 150 other MPS and signed an early day motion calling for a change in army pensions.

Michael Foster, MP for Hastings and Rye, said: "We want the Government to look at this. I understand the Government can't put right the wrongs of previous Governments but in this case I think there needs to be an exception.

"There is a something unique about serving in the army and we've got to persuade the Government it is that uniqueness which should be regarded as a reason for change.

"Many people effected by this are now at, or nearing, retirement age."

Des Turner, MP for Brighton Kemptown, said: "We would certainly expect a payment for serving 22 years and there would be something pro rata for the others.

"I have every sympathy for them and I am happy to back them."

Former servicemen and women will take their campaign to parliament on April 17.

Did you serve between 1949 and 1975? Do you believe the ex-servicemen and women should receive a full pension? Have your say below.