Two Ipswich-based reservists are working alongside soldiers of the Royal Electrical and Mechanical Engineers to maintain Apache attack helicopters on an exercise between UK and French forces.

Staff Sergeant David Parks and Sergeant Paul Holland, who both live in Ipswich and work at Wattisham, are working at Keevil Airfield on Salisbury Plain as part of an aviation support workshop.

SSgt Parks, aged 46, said: “We do anything on the aircraft from changing engines and gearboxes to routine flight services to ensure an aircraft is fit to fly.”

Sgt Holland, 43 said: “I help maintain the Apaches in my civilian life, but being a reservist has meant I can keep up my military skills too.”

The highly skilled nature of the role meant it was only opened up to reservists last summer.