BRITISH plane-spotters, convicted of spying by a Greek court, will be appealing to the European Court.

Six were given three-year prison terms for espionage on Friday. Six more were given one-year suspended sentences for aiding and abetting.

All 12 were allowed home pending their appeal and have won the backing of UK politicians, including Prime Minister Tony Blair.

Andrew Jenkins, of Acomb, York, is among those to have been handed a three-year jail term after being arrested for taking notes on military aircraft he was watching at a Greek base last November.

Group members said they had permission to be there, but the authorities took a dim view of their notes.

Yorkshire and Humber MEP David Bowe is among those backing the plane-spotters.

He said: "The fact is that none of them should have been found guilty of such serious charges and, given the overwhelming evidence that these were simply individuals taking part in an innocent hobby, one cannot escape the conclusion that this was a case of the Greek authorities not wanting to lose face - and determined to make an example of this group."

Mr Bowe has pledged to join other MEPs who have indicated they will be raising the issue in the European Parliament. He warned that, if the Greeks did not soften their stance, they could face a backlash.

"For example, I am sure many people will think twice about going to Greece on holiday and there may even be questions asked about its choice as the venue for the next Olympic Games," said Mr Bowe.