GURKHA soldiers who have just completed their training are heading back home to Nepal armed for the first time with UK qualifications.

The 230 trainee riflemen have become the first Gurkhas based at Helles Barracks, Catterick Garrison, North Yorkshire, to leave with both a level two NVQ public services award and a key skills award.

Since July, they have combined their infantry training with studying courses provided by Darlington College's Catterick campus - and there was a 100 per cent pass rate.

The qualifications have been available to all British infantry recruits at Catterick for four years, but only became available to Gurkhas after the introduction last year of a law allowing retired Gurkha soldiers and their families to obtain British citizenship.

The courses are tailored to provide young soldiers with qualifications, covering subjects such as first aid, health and safety, navigation and signals.

Darlington College tutor Richard Almond said: "They were excellent students, very polite and courteous, but also with a good sense of humour. Their portfolios proved to be exemplary.

"These awards will undoubtedly prove useful to the recruits, not just for promotion during their Army careers, but also in helping them progress up the NVQ ladder and later in employment if they choose to settle in the UK."