Simon Hart MP is pictured with the Challenger (ii) tank used by British Forces on a visit to the Headquarters of the Royal Armoured Corps in Bovington, Dorset.

Mr Hart is taking part in the Armed Forces Parliamentary Group scheme which aims to give MPs an insight into what life is like for their constituents and families who are in the services.

"I do have a tiny bit of experience of the camaraderie and intensity of Forces life as a former Territorial Army member but I am delighted to have the opportunity to learn more about the Army from the inside," said Mr Hart.

He spent two days at Bovington seeing at close quarters some of the new equipment being used by soldiers in Afghanistan.

"We also got to chat to soldiers of all ranks, including those in their first weeks of basic training and some from Wales, about their training and equipment," he added.

As well as the Challenger, Mr Hart watched the Scimitar Light Armoured Vehicle and the Warrior and Warthog Armoured Personnel Carriers in action and saw displays of counter terrorism measures being used to deal with roadside bombs.