The UK Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) has been elected as the new NATO Chairman of the Military Committee, the first Briton to hold the position for 25 years.

Following a lengthy election campaign, Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach was elected by other NATO Chiefs of Defence.

It is expected that CDS will take over the role in June 2018.

CDS Air Chief Marshal Sir Stuart Peach said: "It is a huge honour to have been chosen to be the next Chairman of the Military Committee, one of the most important positions in NATO, central to European security.

"I am excited to take on this next challenge at such an important time for NATO, at a time when the alliance must modernise to face new and ever adapting threats.

"Having spent the last year in the hugely rewarding position as Head of the UK’s Armed Forces, I know I am ready to take on this challenge.

"I would like to personally thank all of those who supported me through this campaign and voted for me in the election."