The Prince of Wales is visiting troops as they prepare themselves for possible deployment in the Gulf.

On Wednesday, Prince Charles met members of the 3 Parachute Regiment, based in Colchester, and the Army Air Corps at Wattisham airfield, near Stowmarket in Suffolk.

Captain Matt Wilcock from 3 Regiment Army Air Corps said: "He knew it would be an ideal opportunity to see how morale is and he is obviously a people person."

"He is very good at putting people at ease."

Simulated demonstrations

In driving sleet and rain, Prince Charles watched troops, Land Rovers, and armoured vehicles disembark from simulated Hercules C-130 transporter planes.

The Prince, who is Colonel in Chief of the Paras and the Army Air Corps, watched a demonstration of parachute training inside a hangar by troops.

He also met helicopter pilots, gunners and engineers from 653 Squadron of the 3 Regiment Army Air Corps.

Members of 16 Air Assault Brigade are currently on standby to head to the Gulf as part of the 26,000-strong force to be deployed in the event of war on Iraq.

Helicopter pilot Corporal Jon Earp, 31, from near Cambridge, said: "We are still unaware what the job will entail and where we will be deployed.

"It is nice that someone of his stature takes an interest in the guys on the ground."