On Tuesday, The Aldershot Mail and other News Group-owned local editions published a bilingual edition aimed at the growing Nepalese community in east Hampshire and parts of Surrey.

Plans for the Nepalese issue began towards the end of last year. Issues included the problem that the Nepali alphabet was not recognized on News Group's computer system.

A team of Nepalese translators and proof readers put together 500 extra orders for the edition. The weekly paid-for broadsheet usually has a circulation of 9,900. News Group is planning a regular page in Nepalese.

In 2004 the government decided to allow Gurkhas who retired from the British army after 1997 with at least four years' service to settle in the UK with their families. Many chose to settle in this area of southern England, which now has an estimated 7,000 Nepalese. 

"This paper has always striven to serve all of its communities. This has traditionally included people who struggle to make their voices heard - such as young people, the homeless, and those with disabilities. With this edition we hope to do the same for our significant Nepalese population," said Elaine Cole, editor of News Group papers including the Aldershot Mail.
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"There have been tensions, they're a growing minority and they want to reach out. They have been very willing to help us explain their culture. The reporters have learned about a group in the community which can only be a good thing."

Source: Guardian.co.uk (photo)