British troops serving in Afghanistan have been issued with a new-look camouflage - the first pattern change of its kind for more than 40 years, the Ministry of Defence said.

The new "Multi Terrain Pattern" camouflage was designed to be worn across the different terrain encountered by frontline troops on patrol in Helmand Province.

Troops deployed to the war-torn country in April, including members of the Royal Dragoon Guards, were the first to be issued with the new uniform.

It will be issued to all military personnel by 2012 as the existing Woodland and Desert camouflage are phased out.

Sergeant Luke Cunningham of the Royal Dragoon Guards, who previously wore Combat 95 camouflage while fighting in Afghanistan in 2008, said: "The new camo is definitely better for the conditions we face in the Green Zone of Helmand. It's more comfortable and it is superior in terms of the operations we're undertaking."

The new pattern was trialled in laboratory tests and field evaluations, including aerial and scientific photography to provide the right mix of colours and brightness for the new camouflage.

Computer modelling was used to represent the Green Zone, deserts and mixed environments in Afghanistan.

Colonel Stephen James, project team leader for Defence Equipment and Support Clothing Team, who was responsible for delivering the new pattern to operations, said: "This is the first time since 1968 that we have introduced a new pattern to UK Forces.

"We have presented the new designs to the US Department of Defense and following our recommendations, the US Army are about to adopt the same technology for their uniform in Afghanistan."