Former Gurkha soldier Bishnu Gurung has become the very first Nepalese to be elected to officially represent Hounslow as a deputy mayor.

Trained as a mechanical engineer servicing and repairing military vehicles, Councillor Gurung has been a proud member of the Bridge of Gurkhas in the British Army for almost 20 years. Before his retirement, he was honoured with a Good Conduct medal and Long Service Award.

After moving to Britain 10 years ago, Gurung founded the Gurkha Nepalese Community Group in Hounslow, of which he is the currently Chairman. This gave way to his involvement in local politics and he was later encouraged to become a Councillor.