The Government has announced new guidelines for Kent's Gurkhas wanting to settle in the UK.

It follows a High Court decision that having different rules for those that retired before 1997 was unlawful.

But a series of stipulations has been set out. These include living in the UK for at least three years and having 20 years' service.

Campaigners have hit out at the new rules, claiming they will benefit few Gurkhas. They want a system that is the same for all ex-Gurkhas.

Shepway councillor Lynne Beaumont, who has been heavily involved in the campaign, said: "You are only talking about a double-decker bus full of people, that's it.

"How can anybody ever believe the Government again? How can they do this to people who have served with such distinction?

"No minister even bothered to make an official announcement, the details were just put up on a noticeboard at the House of Commons."

Phil Woolas, the Border and Immigration Minister, said: "This guidance honours the service, commitment and gallantry of those who served with the Gurkhas brigade."

Speaking before the announcement, campaigner Peter Carroll told reporter Jo Sword why he thinks Gurkhas who served after 1997 should be treated in exactly the same way as those who served before.