AN 80-year-old former paratrooper who is battling to be reunited with his wife today claimed that she could die before being allowed home.

Dennis Cramp was joined by comrades from parachute regiments from across the country in Blackburn yesterday as he begged to be allowed to care for his wife, Marie, 88.

The veterans made their mercy mission after learning about Mr Cramp's fight against Lancashire County Council social services, who have insisted Mrs Cramp stays in a care home.

Mr Cramp's wife suffers from dementia and was taken from their home in Maudsley Street, Clayton-le-Moors, earlier this year when she became unwell.

But Mr Cramp "rescued" his wife of 55 years from the Hollies Nursing Home, Church Street, in May after claiming that he was the "best person" to look after her and that he had been told that her stay was only temporary.

But just 12 hours after the move Lancashire County Council secured a "guardianship" court order giving them legal possession of her and she was taken back.

Now Mr Cramp's bid to fight the guardianship order has been delayed by three months for further independent assessments to be carried out on Mrs Cramp. And in the meantime the couple are still apart.

Speaking on the steps of Blackburn County Court, where a decision on the order was due to be made, he said the delay had been "agony."

He said: "I am begging social services to give me back my wife so I can care for her in the time she has left.

"I believe I am capable of looking after her.

"This gives them control of Marie for a further three months. Maybe they are hoping for a relapse or a terminal solution.

"The support from everyone today has been brilliant and it goes to show that once a para always a para."

Court officials said the case challenging the guardianship order will not be heard before September 27.

A Lancashire County Council spokesman said: "The matter is currently being considered by the court and therefore we unfortunately cannot comment on individual cases whilst legal proceedings are ongoing."

But the spokesman stressed: "Our primary duty is to protect vulnerable people. We have a duty to assess the needs of each and every person who may be in need of social care services."

Mr Cramp served in the army from 1943 to 1950 and joined the Parachute Regiment in 1944.

Members of the Parachute Regiment Association (PRA) from branches in Blackburn, Preston, Manchester and Rochdale were at court yesterday.

Glyn Williams, PRA north west secretary said: "We are here to show Dennis that he is not alone in his fight against an unjust ruling."