THE so-called "metric martyrs" are appealing for money to help them continue to fight their cause.

The martyrs are five retailers, including greengrocer Steven Thoburn, of Sunderland, who have been convicted of using imperial measures to sell their produce.

They are all mounting a legal challenge to the decision to make using only imperial measures a criminal offence.

Mr Thoburn was found guilty on April 9 and, along with Julian Harman and John Dove, of Cornwall, Colin Hunt, of Hackney, London, and Peter Collins, of Sutton, Surrey, is now appealing against the conviction.

Mr Thoburn was convicted after he sold a pound of bananas from his shop and he has since become the national face of the campaign to keep imperial measurements in use.

The legal appeal against the convictions will be held in London in November and a fund has been set up to help pay for the men's defence costs.

Neil Herron, a spokesman for the martyrs, said: "The prosecution has as much money from the public purse as is required.

"The defence has had to rely on the generosity of the British people and we are eternally grateful for the support we have received to get us so far."

Anyone interested in helping the fund can call 0191-565 7143.