The United Kingdom says it will send more troops to the UN Peacekeeping mission in South Sudan.

The BBC website reported it has learnt that the prime minister will detail the move at a summit in New York this month.

The size of the British contingent in South Sudan is not yet known.

The BBC’s UN correspondent says it is expected to go beyond offering logistical support and an airlift capability, and will be a much tougher challenge.

Britain has long been a large financial contributor to UN peacekeeping missions and is the fifth highest provider of funds.

However, its troop’s commitment has been relatively small – focused mainly on 250 soldiers based in Cyprus who wear the distinctive blue berets of the UN.