Gurkha soldiers based in northern England now have their own radio station that links them to Nepal. Called BFBS (British Forces Broadcasting Service) this is the first permanent radio broadcast in Nepali in Britain.

Gurkha soldiers stationed in the garrison at Catterick in North Yorkshire have a daily link at 6:30 every evening with the latest news from Nepal and a 10 pm linkup with Nepali radio journalist Kishore Gurung in Kathmandu.

The station on medium wave also provides music, news and requests. Some of the 500 Gurkha soldiers currently at Catterick Garrison took part in the launch of the station earlier this month, when a lunchtime link-up was made with the studio in Nepal.

Each year more than 250 new army recruits from Nepal arrive at Catterick for basic infantry training. This year saw the first intake arrive along with instructors and training staff.