New Gurkha recruits feel the cold as they arrive in UK to begin infantry training

New Gurkha recruits have arrived in the UK ready to start their infantry training in North Yorkshire.

For some of the 170 recruits arriving from Nepal to a cold and damp Manchester Airport, it was the first time travelling in an aircraft.

The recruits' new home for the next nine months will be Infantry Training Centre Catterick, where they will be put through their paces in a bid to join the Brigade of Gurkhas.

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The process began months ago in Nepal when the men passed selection to join the brigade, which includes English grammar and maths exams, and intense fitness tests including carrying 25kg of sand while running up a steep 4.2km course.

On the eve of their journey to the UK, they swore allegiance to the King, his heirs and successors.

The men are ready for the challenge – although some are definitely feeling the cold.

Recruit Sarawak Limbu, whose brother – also in the Brigade of Gurkhas – had warned him the UK was chilly, said: "I'm feeling very cold. I'm actually from the Hilly region but it's not this cold. It's so freezing, my hands are so cold right now."

New recruit Susil Paunthak said: "I was quite happy to be selected and am quite excited and ready for new challenges that come across in new training course."

During their time at Catterick, the recruits will go through a nine-month training course which includes languages, military skills, and instruction on Western customs and regimental culture.

Sergeant Rohan Limbu, of the Queen's Gurkha Signals, who has been in the UK for 15 years, said: "The first few days will be sorting out their admin, like issuing basic stuff like toothpaste, toothbrush, all the basic needs, and then followed by health and safety regulations, and an introduction to Army life."

The cold weather aside, the one thing every recruit feels is an enormous sense of pride.

Pride at the fact they got here in the first place – Gurkha selection is like no other – and pride in the role of the elite brigade they will now spend the best part of this year preparing for.