A FORMER serviceman held captive in an Indian jail for four years has been enjoying his new-found freedom.

Nick Dunn, one of the so-called Chennai Six imprisoned in 2013 on charges of smuggling weapons and ammunition, has taken time out to recuperate with a visit to Ramside Hall Hotel, Durham.

Mr Dunn and five other men who had been guards on a ship to combat piracy on the Indian Ocean, won an appeal to have their convictions overturned on November 27 last year, and he returned to his North-East home in time for Christmas.

To get the New Year off to a positive start, the hotel invited him, along with his sister Lisa – who campaigned tirelessly for his release – to enjoy an overnight stay.

Lisa said: “When Nick came home he was naturally over the moon, but he was also shattered – we all were. Ramside offered us the chance to go along and spend some time just relaxing, and it was just what we needed.

“It’s been a bit of a whirlwind since he was released and this has been a very welcome break, giving us both a chance to have a little bit of down time. I could literally see the tension draining away from Nick over the course of the stay, and the staff were incredible.

“I can’t thank them enough.” for everything they did for us. Everything was perfect – the staff, the food, the spa…everything. We are so grateful to Ramside for the opportunity, it’s meant a lot.”

John Adamson, Director of Ramside Estates, said: “This has been such a long, painful process for Nick, Lisa and the whole family and the least we could do was offer them the chance to come and relax with us