Hundreds of British Army vehicles have set sail from Southampton in the largest NATO deployment since the Cold War.

Bound for Estonia the 200 vehicles are part of a "reassurance package to our European colleagues" aimed at demonstrating to Estonia and NATO partners that the UK still takes the the security agreement seriously.

Among the vehicles heading out of the Sea Mounting Centre in Marchwood are 50 Warrior armoured fighting vehicles belonging to Tidworth based 5th Battalion, Rifles (5RIFLES).

The battalion is deploying in support of the UKís enhanced Forward Presence battle group "reassuring NATO allies whilst emphasising our commitment to the security of Europe."

Captain Charlie James is one of the 800 troops who will be flying out next week to be met by the tanks as part of the deployment.

He said: "It's about deferring Russian interests in the Baltic state since what happened in the Ukraine."

The soldiers will be going out to train in the heavily forested Estonia, first by themselves, then with Estonian troops and then alongside other NATO soldiers.

The 50 Warriors - tank like vehicles which hold up to six men - will be loaded onto a giant Ro-Ro ferry at the Sea Mounting Centre, Marchwood, to begin their journey across the Channel.