MP for Rutland and Stamford, Alicia Kearns, is urging residents to sign the 'Save Rutland,' petition, campaigning for the protection of Rutland's county status. 

Taking to social media, Kearns said: "Residents of Rutland have been very clear – regardless of what happens to our Council through Local Government Re-Organisation, we want to remain Rutlanders. 

"However, the way Government is pursuing the re-organisation, there is a very real risk we may lose our ceremonial county status and become part of Leicestershire not just as a County Council, but as a community and as our county.  

"Therefore, it is absolutely vital we fight for our ceremonial status and identity. 

"We have three weeks until the first deadline for Local Authorities to send their council re-organsation proposals back to the Government. We need to make clear Government that Rutland's ceremonial status must be protected at all costs." 

Rutland's existance is at risk if it loses it's ceremonial status during local government reorganisation (Photo: Nub News)

There are multiple ways to sign the petition, including dropping into Alicia's office at 6 Market Street, Oakham, LE15 6DY. 

The petition can also be signed in lots of local cafes, pubs, village shops and restaurants, as well as online via this link.