Northern lights: Troops on brutal Exercise Cambrian Patrol treated to dazzling display

Troops taking part in Exercise Cambrian Patrol were treated to a stunning display of the northern lights as they trained in the woodlands of the Brecon Beacons.

Members of the British Army in Wales captured the incredible shots of the aurora borealis during the exercise, currently in its 65th year.

The stunning colours decorated the atmosphere as a training mission was under way involving a downed helicopter.

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Exercise Cambrian Patrol, the annual premier patrolling event of the British Army, is hosted by Headquarters 160th (Welsh) Brigade.

Soldiers were training in a forestry wood block in the training area where they were simulating how to respond to a downed helicopter and treating casualties.

The northern lights appear when charged particles launched along the Earth's magnetic field collide with gases in the upper atmosphere to create tiny flashes of colourful light. For some, seeing them is a once-in-a-lifetime experience.