The Royal Navy is cancelling its lead role in the "largest Nato exercise since Cold War" due to a shaft being rusty.

The HMS Prince of Wales will now stand in for aircraft carrier HMS Queen Elizabeth after a problem was found on the flagship.

The Royal Navy said on social media that routine checks before sailing found an issue on the ship's starboard propeller shaft.

The vessel had been due to set sail last night.

The HMS Prince of Wales would set sail "as soon as possible", the Royal Navy added on social media.

Fleet Cdr Vice Adm Andrew Burns said: "Routine pre-sailing checks yesterday identified an issue with a coupling on HMS Queen Elizabeth's starboard propeller shaft. As such, the ship will not sail on Sunday.

"HMS Prince of Wales will take her place on Nato duties and will set sail for Exercise Steadfast Defender as soon as possible."