The Royal Air Force has used Glasgow Prestwick Airport's military facilitation services for a training exercise.

A 40-person crew from the XXIV Squadron used the airfield as part of Exercise Tartan Atlas, which has taken them across the country to carry out low flying air drops.

Their training included flying through mountainous terrain, with Prestwick Airport allowing the squadron to access these areas quickly.

The crew flew a new A400M aircraft, which boasts the most modern cockpit available, an A380 flight deck, HUD display, eight TV style screens and four engines.

Aircraft dispatch and fixed base operation manager at Glasgow Prestwick Airport, Kevin Brock, said: "Glasgow Prestwick Airport is proud to be able to play a role in important exercises such as this.

"We have a long history of working with the military and our airfield has the ideal set up for their requirements.

"We have a long, concrete base runway suitable for all aircraft types, we have dedicated aprons and buildings for military customers - which include rest and office facilities - and the favourable weather conditions provide reliability for regimented timetable of training."

He added: "The XXIV team were a pleasure to host for the week and we are delighted to hear that they were happy with the handling provided.

"We are all passionate about aviation at Glasgow Prestwick Airport and it also great for us to have the chance to have new state-of-the-air aircraft passing through and we hope to be able to welcome it back some time in the near future."