A BODYBUILDING Ghurka from a Hampshire naval base is aiming to make his colleagues proud when he competes in a national competition.

Private Gokul Gurung, a valued member of Gosport-based HMS Sultan's military provost guard service, will take on other strongmen in the over 40s section of the UK Nepal Federation of Body Building and Fitness (UKNFBF).

The self-confessed fitness fanatic spent 22 years as a physical training instructor and served all over the world with the Royal Ghurka Rifles.

He is now taking part in a gruelling training regime totalling an hour and a half a day, and has his heart set on bringing back the trophy.

Private Gurung said: "I have worked hard in preparing for the event and I hope to finish in at least the top three competitors.

"If I can I really want to win the trophy so that I can make all my colleagues in the Military Provost Guard at HMS Sultan proud.

"Without their help it would not have been possible for me to train and prepare for this major event."

The UKNFBF competition will take place on July 19 in Farnborough and will include a number of activities based on Nepalese culture raising money for earthquake victims in the country.

For more information visit www.uknfbf.com.