Wales is to be a centre of excellence for officer training in the British Army.

The Dering Lines army base at Brecon is to become the service's top training centre.

The Ministry of Defence is moving its infantry training for officers from Warminster in Wiltshire to Wales.

Sennybridge Ranges

It will mean 100 new military posts in the town as well as new civilian jobs.

Almost a third-of-a-million soldiers already come to the Brecon Beacons to train on the Epynt ranges above Sennybridge.

Now 300 young Sandhurst officers are to train in Wales each year as well.

The high-profile platoon commanders battle course will turn out some of the future generals of the British Army.

The base's 500 permanent staff is to be boosted by up to 100 more military posts and a number of civilian jobs

The Brecon Beacons National Park Authority has approved plans to create new buildings at the base.

Sandhurst Academy

It is already the most important training centre for infantry soldiers for the British Army - the expansion will make it the top training centre in Britain.

The announcement comes as the world's best army snipers prepare to compete at a symposium this weekend.

Entrants are assessed on their ability in areas such as camouflage and concealment, observation and marksmanship.

Last year the event attracted sharp shooters from America, Austria, Germany, Hungary, Sri Lanka, Singapore and South Africa.