MoD base to be 'Middle East town'

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Work is set to begin on transforming a Norfolk army base into a Middle Eastern environment for military training.

The Ministry of Defence has been given permission to create an Â£18m replica of a village at Stanford Training Area, near Thetford.

An MoD spokeswoman said the 12.5-acre development would include buildings like those found in the Middle East, including a mosque and a market place.

She said builders would begin work as soon as possible.

Col Simon Lloyd said: "We are delighted that planning permission has been granted for this development.

"We strongly believe that these enhanced facilities will significantly benefit the soldiers in their preparation for future operations."

Replica villages approved