More than 100 soldiers from Colchester have been put on standby ready to make up a peacekeeping force in Kosovo.
The Government announced that a total of 2,300 British troops were to be prepared to go to the war-torn province in the event of a peace deal.
One company of 105 soldiers from the Royal Gloucester, Berkshire and Wiltshire regiment and 25 troops from the 19 Field Regiment were due to make their way to Catterick, Yorkshire, yesterday and today to take part in training.
The soldiers will be supporting the 1 Royal Irish and be on standby for any developments in Kosovo.
An Army spokeswoman said: "It is prudent contingency planning. No decisions have been made. It is just in case a peace agreement happens at short notice."
The 19 Field Regiment recently returned from performing a peace keeping role in Cyprus.
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