REVERED around the world for their fighting prowess, they've served in places as far afield as Hong Kong and Belize.

And now the Gurkhas have landed in Gwent.

A group of 23 former soldiers from the famed brigade is settling in Cwmbran after gaining jobs there following a recent concession in UK immigration laws.

They have found work at the Contour factory in Llantarnam, as production workers assembling complex components.

Newport-based firm Acorn Recruitment was looking for skilled and semi-skilled workers and hired the men as operators for the manufacturing company making seats and cabins for the airline industry. The group is among thousands of Gurkhas who travelled to the UK after learning of the relaxation in immigration laws in 2004.

They were living in and around London last year when they learnt of the opportunity to work in Cwmbran through friends and applied to Acorn for the jobs.

Major Dal Limbu, a former Gurkha officer, is now a full-time liaison manager supporting the men and assisting other Gurkha soldiers looking for work in South Wales, employed by Acorn.

"They are settling in very well," said Major Limbu, who was the most senior officer in the Gurkhas until his retirement last year.

"A lot of former Gurkhas go to work as security guards but this type of hands-on work is more enjoyable for them," he added.

"They are also happy to live here because of cheaper house prices than in the London area."

The Gurkhas now in Cwmbran say the major draw of the UK is peace and security for their families.

Martin Knight, director of Contour's manufacturing unit, said their diligent approach to work has become a very useful asset.

"They complement the existing workforce ideally with their attention to detail," he added. "We're delighted to have them."