Wildcats from 847 NAS have been loaded on C-17 aircraft at RAF Brize Norton and transported to Norway for the annual winter training.

Engineers stationed at RAF Brize Norton worked through the night and fog to board the helicopters onto the long-range, heavy-lift transport aircraft.

It comes after the announcement that more than 1,000 members of the UK Commando Force are deploying to the Arctic Circle for training as the UK underscores its commitment to the security of Nato's northern flank against the backdrop of ongoing conflict in Europe.

The Commando Helicopter Force deploying to Bardufoss Air Base as part of Operation Clockwork, their yearly top-up of operating in the deep freeze.

The exercise will test the aviation wing's ability to operate Commando Wildcat and Merlin helicopters in Arctic conditions in one of the world's most inhospitable environments, where temperatures are known to plummet to -35°C and where polar nights mean the sun doesn't 'rise' until the end of January.