Britain will send a team of experienced military officers to Libya to help support and advise the country's opposition council, the UK foreign minister has said.

William Hague said on Tuesday that military advisers would join a group of British diplomats already co-operating with the Libyan National Transitional Council, based in the rebel stronghold of Benghazi.

"They will advise the National Transitional Council on how to improve their military organisational structures, communications and logistics, including how best to distribute humanitarian aid and deliver medical assistance," he said.

However, the foreign office said the team would not train or arm rebel forces fighting troops loyal to Muammar Gaddafi, the Libyan leader.