The way the UK's armed forces operate in the long-term is set to be masterminded from a new permanent base at Shrivenham.

Building work has begun on the Ministry of Defence's Joint Doctrine and Concepts Centre (JDCC).

The centre has been located in temporary buildings at the Shrivenham site since September last year, but the new building is expected to offer improved permanent accommodation.

There will be more space for liaison staff from other countries and non-governmental organisations, as well as more security and better conference facilities.

The centre will house 32 military staff from the army, navy and air force, and 20 civilians.

Their main tasks are to formulate a long-term vision of the way the UK forces operate in future, develop joint military doctrine for the UK and Nato and work on UK policy on peace support operations, such as those in East Timor and Sierra Leone.

The building is due to be completed by August.