Soldiers from 4th Mechanized Brigade are currently taking part in a series of intensive training exercises in readiness for deploying to Afghanistan in April.

The Brigade will replace 11 Light Brigade as the lead formation of British troops in Helmand province.

As part of their work-up training, soldiers face a number of lifelike scenarios to prepare them for the forthcoming operations.

A combined arms tactical training exercise in Warminster runs through various aspects of mission planning. It also allows the headquarters element of the Brigade to operate in a realistic environment.

In Otterburn, soldiers from the Brigade Reconnaissance Force faced mock casualties from the Amputees in Action group on a combined arms live firing exercise.

"The training has been second to none in preparing the guys for operations. It's as realistic as it can be and, as a unit , 4 Mech Brigade is ready for the deployment," said Brigade Commander, Brigadier Richard Felton.