Almost 50,000 troops have been pledged for the peacekeeping force in the Balkans, with British soldiers likely to make up the largest single force.

Around 13,000 UK troops have been sent to the region, with another 6,000 on stand-by.

Crack British units, including members of the Gurkhas, could enter Kosovo within hours of the Serb generals accepting the withdrawal terms.

One of the key tasks facing soldiers from the Royal Engineers will be to clear any mines or booby traps along the border with Kosovo.

The troops will be backed by heavy armoured divisions which are on stand-by in Albania.

Apache attack helicopters are on hand to provide air cover for the ground forces, should they encounter any resistance.