COUNCIL leaders have been given an insight into the large Gurkha community in Catterick Garrison with a tour of their base.

Members and officers of Richmondshire District Council went to the Helles Barracks as part of work to further strengthen the bond between the two organisations and were given a traditional Gurkha welcome and presented with Khada - a ceremonial scarf which symbolises purity and compassion.

The visit allowed council members to understand the Gurkha company functions and routine business, as well as the work done to promote support and community engagement with their British neighbours and local government.

The event followed a visit by Gurkha Company to the council’s offices in Richmond last October.

The councillors were told about the training and selection process for Gurkha recruits, telling officers how up to 10,000 Nepalese young men apply to join Gurkha Company each year, of which 240 are chosen after a rigorous selection proces and toured the Mine and Explosives Museum.