The British army has formed a specialist unit of "creative" soldiers who will be tasked with fighting wars using unconventional methods.

Members of 77 Brigade have been trained to use guerrilla tactics and will be experts in psychological warfare operations.

The army hopes the brigade will impact the traditional battlefield using non-lethal techniques including social media to reflect the digital age.

Using creative thinking it is hoped that 77 Brigade will influence the minds and shape the behaviour of the enemy and local populations.

This has led to the early nickname 'Twitter troops'.

"The brigade consists of more than just traditional capabilities," the head of the army, General Sir Nicholas Carter, said.

"It is an organisation that sits at the heart of trying to operate smarter."

The 77 Brigade has its origins in Orde Wingate's famous Chindits - a group of elite soldiers unleashed behind enemy lines during the Burma Campaign in World War II.

They were officially called the 77th Indian Infantry Brigade. The 77 Brigade will share the Chindits' "spirit of innovation and offensive spirit".

It will also display the same emblem: a golden Burmese dragon, worn on the arm. They will support mainstream military tactics.

The 77 Brigade will draw its members from the regular and reserve forces across the British Army, Navy and RAF - and will be based in Berkshire.