THE future for Folkestone's Gurkha soldiers looks safe after a re-organisation of the armed services.

It was feared the Royal Gurkha Rifles, based at Shorncliffe Barracks, would be cut.

But an announcement by Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon in the House of Commons has made it clear no changes were planned.

The Gurkhas have served the Crown since 1815 and have been based at Shorncliffe for four years.