Gurkhas win right to retire in Britain

Former Gurkha soldiers from Nepal have won their legal bid to secure the right to retire in Britain. The soldiers began a High Court challenge earlier this month against a ruling that means those who retired before 1997 have no automatic right to live in Britain.

All other foreign soldiers in the British Army can settle in Britain after four years' service anywhere in the world. About 2,000 Gurkhas are affected by the current rules.

Lawyers representing the Gurkhas said High Court judges had ruled in their favour, according to the Press Association. No further details were immediately available.

Gurkhas were first recruited by colonial rulers in India in the 19th century as a "martial race" known for their bravery.

They have fought for Britain since 1815, most recently in Iraq, Afghanistan and the former Yugoslavia.