Central 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment

Despite the announcement that military operations in the Worcestershire floods are being scaled down the shuttle truck that has been taken Upton upon Severn residents across flood waters will continue for a few days.

The service that has become known as the Upton Express will carry on until its safe to pass without assistance.

Superintendent Kevin Purcell said:

"The situation in Worcestershire is slowly improving and we are working hard towards preparing for the recovery phase. This means we no longer need the support of the Army."

The 1st Battalion The Royal Irish Regiment have been helping flooded Worcester since last week but their duties are now being scaled down according to West Mercia police

They have been distributing sand bags and ensuring Worcestershire's vulnerable people have been reached.

British military advisers are to carry out training for the Malian armed forces fighting Islamist extremists in the west African state.

21 soldiers from 1st Battalion Royal Irish Regiment, who are based as Ternhill in Shropshire, will do the infantry training and 12 personnel will carry out mortar and artillery training.

Defence Secretary Philip Hammond confirmed the training which is due to start in spring. He said, "We welcome the Irish contribution which will help develop further working relations between our two countries."