One of Kent's Army battalions are being called in to boost security at the Olympics - just days after it was hit by Ministry of Defence cutbacks.

The Canterbury-based 5th Battalion (5 Scots) - The Argyll and Sutherland Highlanders - will be among 3,500 troops called up to cover the Games.

The move comes after security firm G4S revealed it does not have enough guards.

The Ministry of Defence confirmed 5 Scots are among those to be asked to help, but could not confirm how many soldiers will be involved.

Last week, it emerged the battalion has been badly hit in the latest MoD job cuts.

It will be reduced to a company, performing public duties. That will see soldiers relocated and stationed at Edinburgh Castle and at the Palace of Holyroodhouse on a permanent basis.

It is not yet known how many jobs will be lost in the move - and exactly how the Canterbury soldiers will be affected.

The cuts are part of a government move to shed 20,000 troops from the Army.