UP to 1,500 troops are to take part in one of the largest Army exercises in the country this year on Salisbury Plain, starting tomorrow.

Exercise Eagles Eye, which runs until July 27, will involve also involve 500 vehicles from Colchester-based 16 Air Assault Brigade, the Army's premier rapid reaction fighting brigade.

16 Air Assault Brigade has to be ready to fulfil the UK's commitment to respond to incidents anywhere in the world at five days' notice.

Last year its troops assisted in the evacuation of British citizens from Lebanon as well as having more than 3000 troops sent to Afghanistan.

In addition, the exercise will include up to two Apache, four Lynx, four Chinook and two Puma/Merlin helicopters per day.

Small numbers of fast jets will also support the exercise along with six Hercules transport aircraft.

The exercise will also use airfields at RAF Lyneham and Keevil.

The main part of the exercise will begin on Monday July 15, but substantial preparation and vehicle movement will begin tomorrow.

Brigadier Mark Carleton-Smith, the Commander of 16 Air Asslt Bde, said: "16 Air Assault Brigade has to be ready to deploy anywhere in the world at five days notice to move, and in order to fulfil this role it is vital the Brigade practices its essential aviation and air assault skills to maintain operational capability.

"Last April, 16 Air Assault Brigade was chosen as the first British brigade to enter Helmand Province, Afghanistan to take on the Taliban and help bring security and reconstruction.

"In addition, we also sent troops to Lebanon in support of the evacuation of British nationals last summer."

Every effort is made to ensure that noisy activity is limited to normal training times. In principle, flying hours have been limited to between 7am and 11pm during the week and only limited flying on weekends.

However, on some occasions flying will be conducted throughout the night.