THE news of the BBC correspondent Alan Johnston's release from his militant captors was great.

During his incarceration we saw tensions escalate in Palestine, forcing many to question whether freedom would be a forlorn hope.

His release is not only a great relief to his family and friends, but to everyone who values freedom.

Mr Johnston, like many journalists working in trouble-torn parts of the world, takes the risks in a job that many of us rely upon.

Reporting the news and engaging with people who are the subject of reports can be a difficult and dangerous activity.

From what we know of him, he had built up good relationships with Palestinians, working out of his office in Gaza. But the fact that he was a Western journalist immediately made him a target for kidnap.

Perhaps his personality and good relationship with the Palestinians was a factor in helping his release but, of course, the division and unrest pitching Palestinian against Palestinian meant that any negotiations would be difficult.

For the moment, it is time to celebrate the release of a man whose courage and resolve can only be commended.

Bernie Walsh, Coxhoe, Durham.