A giant military aircraft with a cargo hold as long as three double-decker buses has taken off on its first military operation.

The C17 Globemaster, based at RAF Brize Norton, took off on Saturday afternoon transporting men and equipment for the Nato weapons collection mission in Macedonia.

It is the first time the aircraft has been used in a full-blown military operation - though it has flown to the Middle East, Falklands, South America, Europe and North America since it began service with the RAF.

The aircraft, made by US manufacturers Boeing, arrived in the UK in May, and the RAF has ordered another three.

It was carrying three Lynx helicopters, together with equipment and personnel to Macedonia.

Flt Lt Ken McCredie, the C17's pilot, said: "It is a joy to fly and I am thrilled to be captaining the aircraft on its maiden operation."

A 12-strong team of engineers from Boeing and the US Air Force worked round the clock with the RAF to make sure the aircraft was ready for its mission.

In 1998, eight C17s flew more than 8,000 nautical miles from the US to central Asia, and dropped troops and equipment after 19 hours in the air - the longest mission of its kind in history.

As well troops and helicopters, the C17 can carry tanks and armoured vehicles.