Commandos treated to stunning scenery but bitter cold as they take to their skis in Norway

Commandos taking part in the Cold Weather Warfare Course have been getting to grips with telemark skiing in the dramatic winter landscape of northern Norway.

The troops are based out of Camp Viking, the UK's Arctic operational hub, where temperatures can quickly plummet as low as -30°C.

Led by Royal Marines mountain leader instructors, they learn basic survival and combat skills in the extreme climate of the High North.

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Personnel from 45 Commando have also been training in Norway's freezing temperatures on Operation Clockwork.

A Merlin Mk4 helicopter from 845 Naval Air Squadron dropped troops into the exercise area high up in the spectacular Mauken mountains, where the sun barely rises at this time of year.

The exercise aims to reaffirm the UK's commitment to the High North.

The UK has conducted cold-weather training in Norway for more than 50 years and is one of only a small number of countries with the skills and training to operate in what is considered to be one of the world's most challenging environments.

Earlier, members of the Commando Helicopter Force carried out a resupply with a difference.

Personnel from the CHF, which is part of Joint Aviation Command, are in Norway to maintain their specialist capabilities and develop new tactics alongside the Future Commando Force.

But one of their activities had a less warlike purpose – delivering logs to a number of remote cabins which used used by civilian hikers and cross-country skiers.