Volunteer soldiers begin training for UN peacekeepers in Cyprus

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Volunteer part-time soldiers from across the Midlands begin their final preparation for work as UN peacekeepers in Cyprus

The Defence Secretary Philip Hammond has warned that he will fight any further cuts to the armed forces, suggesting that benefits should be cut instead.

It comes on the day volunteer part-time soldiers from across the Midlands begin their final preparation for work as UN peacekeepers in Cyprus by training in an old air hanger in Shropshire.

The training rein-acts possible situations the soldiers may face

These reservists from the Mercian Regiment, all with civilian day jobs will be UN Peacekeepers at the end of this month in Cyprus, where they might have to deal with this type of situation for real.

Lance Cpl Natasha Deacon, Mercian Regiment
Lance Cpl Neil Clowes, Mercian Regiment
Lieut Lloyd Watts, Mercian Regiment

Within half an hour, the exercise is over. The Mercians have cleared the village. And next time it could be for real.