SOLDIERS are showing their pulling power by dragging three tonnes of weaponry all the way from the west country to London.

Two teams made up of the Army, Royal Navy, Royal Marines and Royal Air Force are in the middle of a charity pull to raise cash for Gulf War veterans and families.

Two field guns weighing a combined three tonnes are being pulled from Yeovil and should arrive in Greenwich, London, on Sunday.

On Tuesday the willing fundraisers were given a break at the Warminster garrison before setting off to complete the 134-mile pull.

Army spokesman Roddy Mellotte said: "The two field guns were formerly used in the renowned Royal Tournament Naval Field Gun race and each weigh over a ton and a half.

"This spectacular but gruelling endeavour is in aid of the UK Gulf Forces Fund which supports those injured in the Gulf conflict and the families and dependents of servicemen killed during operations there."

The two teams will be joined by a star-studded cast of celebrities when they finally arrive in London, including Olympic gold medallist Audley Harrison and ex-EastEnders actress Tamsin Outhwaite.

The valiant effort in aid of Gulf War soldiers and families has also been given the support of patron Penelope Keith.

She said: "Gulf War soldiers are undertaking an extremely difficult task with the utmost dedication and humanity, and I, for one, am delighted there is people who show our forces just how appreciative we are of the job they are doing."