The Gurkhas are set to open up their ranks to women for the first time.

The group, who have served in the British Army for more than 200 years will allow female soldiers to join from next year, but they will have to pass the same gruelling selection test the men do.

Those hoping to win a place in the regiment - seen as a golden ticket for many in Nepal - will have to pass a 'doko race' which involves carrying a four-stone bag of sand for three-miles up a hill in less than 48 minutes.

Teenage Nepali boys await the start of a recruitment test for the Gurkha Regiment called the Doko race

A young Nepali boy carries a 55lb bag and races up a hill

Hopefuls who are selected to become Gurkhas then head to British shores to take up a 10-week course in Catterick, North Yorkshire. The village could be welcoming women from spring 2020.

As well as extensive fitness training, those at that make it have English language and culture lessons on top of learning infantry skills.

A scheme was piloted by the Ministry of Defence in 2007, when around 50 Nepalese women took part in fitness tests, but ultimately the brigade remained closed.

Gurkhas begin on a starting salary of £18,000 and a pension, plus the right to settle in the UK - a huge wage by Nepali standards.

Currently 3000 Gurkhas serve in the British army, and about 250 are recruited a year form Pokhara, central Nepal.

But army officers have drawn up plans to add another 800 troops to the force, according to the Sunday Times.

Defence secretary Gavin Williamson said: 'The Gurkhas are renowned as one of the best fighting forces in the world with a proud history of serving Her Majesty, and it is right that women have the opportunity to serve in this elite group.'

Gurkha recruits pass out as they complete their military training at Helles Barracks at the Infantry Training Centre on November 16, 2017 in Catterick, England

What is the doko test? Becoming a Gurkha is a great source of pride to Nepalese families - but first young recruits have to tackle a gruelling fitness test - called the 'Doko'. Young Nepali men (and from next year women) aged 17-21 will need to have their Standard School Leaving Certificate and proof they are a Nepalese citizen before applying. Height is also important, they must be at least 5ft 2in. Dental hygiene is also important as recruits cannot have more than four fillings, gaps or false teeth. All previous injuries are carefully scrutinised before the fitness tests take place - historically applicants have even been rejected due having had laser eye surgery. As for the fitness, wannabe Gurkhas need to be able to run 800m in two minutes and 45 seconds and be able to do 12 pull-ups and 70 sit-ups. Their language skills is also important, and they will need to face an interview that is half in English. Then comes the final 'Doko Race' where recruits carry four-stone of sand up a three-mile hill in less than 48 minutes. Advertisement