GURKHAS were welcomed to Warminster yesterday with a parade at Waterloo Lines.

The formation of a new Gurkha Company in Warminster, was celebrated on Thursday (August 30) when 52 soldiers and officers from the Brigade of Gurkhas formed up on parade.

The occasion marked the formation of the Tavoleto company, which follows a series of successful transitions of the Training Support Company, and officially welcomed the Gurkhas to Warminster.

The parade was attended by serving personnel, Gurkha Brigade Association members and family and friends, with must provided by the 1st Battalion the Royal Gurkha Rifles Pipes and Drums.

Warminster's company have been honoured after the Battle of Tavoleto in 1943.

Tavoleto, a small Italian mountain top village formed part of the Gothic Line and it fell to the 7th Gurkha Rifles to capture it from the Germans. The village was secured and the Allied advance continues.

During the parade, General Commanding Officer, Army Recruiting and Initial Training Command, Major General Paul Nanson took the salute.

He said: "You have started on a new, challenging and exciting journey, but like all journey's you will undoubtedly suffer setbacks and issues along the way.

"I can offer you no real advice other than to follow the example of your forebears who served with such distinction at Tavoleto.

"Gurkhas have never been short of courage, tenacity and determination and I'm sure you will continue to uphold that hugely proud tradition."

Families moved to Warminster last year from around the globe to be part of the Warminster Company and are settling into the town well.

Rifleman Subash Gurung, was the second member of the Tavoleto Company to arrive in Wiltshire.

The 21-year-old said: "When I arrived in Warminster I was one of the first Gurkha soldiers and I found the people of the town great.

"I've embraced the British culture and I am happy to teach them my Nepalese culture."

Kanya Gurung, whose husband Rit Gurung is the Platoon Commander, said: "I am really proud of my husband and I am proud that we got to be part of this historic event.

"We have been here exactly a year now. We were nervous before we moved as everything is new but we are happy now.

"My parents live in London so I have always loved the city. But I love the countryside and it is amazing to see how friendly people are here.

"When I go out for walks in the hills people say hello."