BASINGSTOKE-based former Gurkha soldier and chef Pemba Lama has won the World Food Awards’ new 2013 category World Cook Book.

His Ultimate Nepalese Cook Book was launched last year by the Kent-based Grierson Publications and was endorsed by Gurkha campaigner, actress Joanna Lumley. The Gurkha Welfare Trust receives donations from every book sold.

The cookbook defeated competition including the Hairy Bikers, Michel Roux jnr and Martin Morales.

Father-of-two Chef Lama said: "I am speechless! The whole team is so excited to win this prestigious award and I am thrilled to help to get the word out to the world about our wonderful Nepalese cooking."

The Ultimate Nepalese Cook Book is available online at www.theultimatenepalesecookbook.com.