PEOPLE are preparing for a battle to be first to snap up a former Army home.

The Ministry of Defence is selling off three and four-bedroomed houses on Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, prompting would-be buyers to flock to the camp.

Many pitched tents to make sure they are at the front when they go on sale tomorrow.

Bernice Rai, 37, was fourth in line and has been living in a caravan on the site for two weeks with son Warok, 15 months.

Her husband Saroj, 33, is a colour sergeant with the Catterick-based Gurkha regiment.

Mrs Rai said: "We spend half our year in Britain and the other half in Nepal and we wanted to find somewhere close to my home in Malton.

"There has been a huge reaction from people, I've been here exactly two weeks and I'm only fourth in line.

"I will be glad when the office finally opens on Friday morning so we can get the home we want."

The Army put the houses up on a first come, first served basis and yesterday 28 families were waiting to buy up about 30 homes.