The fate of the British plane spotters convicted of spying in Greece was tonight hanging in the balance after the public prosecutor recommended half should be acquitted but left the others still facing prison terms.

Six Britons found guilty of aiding and abetting a group of planespotters convicted of spying in Greece should be acquitted, the public prosecutor told an appeal hearing today.

Lawyers for six British plane-spotters found guilty of spying charges in Greece have launched an appeal.

An assessment of the evidence against a 14-strong group of plane spotters detained in Greece accused of spying was due to be presented to three judges today.