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.

News that 14 plane spotters accused of spying in Greece have been granted bail has received a mixed reaction.