The Ministry of Defence is calling up around 150 reservists specialising in languages and photo-reconnaissance.

The department has begun the official procedures to call up those from all three services who meets its need, though only around 70 will be required initially. The move is part of normal procedure, reports the FT.

While military intelligence is seeking language specialists, MI5 is short of Pashtu speakers while GCHQ needs to recruit Arabic and Farsi speakers. Scotland Yard is also looking for linguists who speak Middle Eastern languages.

In what the Guardian calls "an unprecedented move", the paper says MI6 also contacted the paper to say it is looking to recruit more women and minority ethnic staff.

The address for applications is PO Box 1300, London.