SIX former British soldiers jailed in India have been granted bail, it was reported tonight.
Nicholas Simpson, from Catterick Garrison; Paul Towers, from Pocklington, near York; Nick Dunn, from Ashington, Northumberland; Billy Irving, from Connel, Scotland; Ray Tindall, from Chester; and John Armstrong, from Wigton, Cumbria, were arrested on October 12 and have been in prison in India since October 24.
Their families have campaigned for their release, and on Tuesday delivered a petition to Downing Street asking Prime Minister David Cameron to intervene.
The group are believed to have been granted bail at a hearing yesterday, and are expected to be released next week.
Mr Dunns sister Lisa described the news as "amazing" but added: "We are not there yet. There's still a long way to go."
The six were working for US private maritime company AdvanFort providing antipiracy protection when their ship was detained.
According to the men, Indian authorities claim the vessel entered Indian waters illegally with weapons on board, despite AdvanFort insisting the ship had the correct papers.
Comments: Our rules
We want our comments to be a lively and valuable part of our community - a place where readers can debate and engage with the most important local issues. The ability to comment on our stories is a privilege, not a right, however, and that privilege may be withdrawn if it is abused or misused.
Please report any comments that break our rules.
Read the rules here