Spy plane crew 'to be released'

Chinese state media is reporting members of the US air crew who were held after their spy plane ditched are to be released.

And in the last few minutes, The White House has confirmed a deal was reached for the crew’s release.

A statement read on Chinese television and radio news broadcasts said the Americans would be released as soon as "appropriate travel procedures" were completed.

The official Xinhua News Agency reported that US Ambassador Joseph Prueher delivered a letter to the Chinese Foreign Ministry today saying the US. government was "very sorry" about the incident

The draft of a diplomatic letter, to end the stalemate over a US spy plane, had been awaiting China's approval.

The crew has met American diplomats, who have reported they are in good spirits, getting catered meals, e-mail from home and even baseball scores.