The Ministry of Defence are investigating after a soldier blacked up as a Zulu and another dressed as paedophile Jimmy Savile for a fancy dress Christmas lunch.

The men stood up on tables at 12 Regiment Royal Artillery's lager-soaked event on Thorney Island, West Sussex, last Wednesday, sources told The Sun.

One of 'The Gunners' is seen wearing the full regalia of a Zulu warrior and is painted completely black, while his comrade wears a bright tracksuit for Savile.

Another soldier, not seen in the now-deleted Instagram post, was dressed as an Arab in a headscarf. The trio had been participating in a singing contest.

One of 'The Gunners' is seen wearing the full regalia of a Zulu warrior and is painted completely black, while his comrade wears a bright tracksuit for Savile (circled)

Senior officers had been waiting tables in the mess for the traditional 'thank you' lunch.

One source told The Sun: 'I couldn't believe it when I saw them. What is deemed banter in the Army is seen differently in the outside world.

'Blacking up at an official bash is almost beyond belief these days, especially next to black soldiers who may have felt uncomfortable with it.

'And who thought it was a good idea to dress up as a paedophile? The whole thing shows a lapse of judgement.'

The MoD said they were made aware of the picture after it went up on social media.

The men were pictured standing on tables at 12 Regiment Royal Artillery's lager-soaked event on Thorney Island, West Sussex, last Wednesday (entrance to Baker Barracks, pictured)

'We are aware of a social media post showing photos from a fancy dress competition at a regimental Christmas lunch,' an Army spokesman said.

'While the event is a long-standing unit tradition, we are very clear all activities should be in line with the Army's high values and standards.

'If we find that these standards have been breached there are procedures for dealing with all forms of unacceptable behaviour.'