Ford has been chosen by the Ministry of Defence to supply over 100 Ranger pick-up vehicles, to be used by the Army, Navy, Air Force and the Ministry.

Ford's rugged off-roader, winner of the 2012 Fleet Van of the Year Award, will see service in a variety of roles, carrying personnel, MOD civilians and their equipment around Britain.

The 104 Ranger XL models will be supplied with four-wheel-drive and in a variety of cab configurations with deliveries via Manchester-based Ford dealer, Evans Halshaw. Each vehicle will have an operational life of between five and seven years.

Steve O'Leary, MOD programme manager, said: "These Ford Rangers are all vital administrative vehicles. Some will be used by service security patrols guarding military establishments, and others will be converted for mountain rescue.

"The Ranger was selected as it is more than able to fulfil the required role in terms of off-road mobility and payload, and also for the value for money it offers."

Ford Direct sales manager, Paul Henderson, said: "We are extremely pleased that the MOD has placed this important order. The Ranger is perfectly suited to heavy-duty use and will prove a robust and reliable workhorse in its new career with the military."

Ford Ranger is offered in three cab body styles - Double, Super and Regular -  and comes with a choice of two TDCi diesel engines, and either two or four wheel drive. It offers class-leading towing capability and is the first such vehicle ever to achieve a Euro NCAP five-star rating.

More than 3,600 Ford Ranger vehicles have been sold in the UK so far this year - 1,200 more than this time last year.