Fresh delay as plane-spotters await freedom

The British plane-spotters held in Greece are facing more delays as they wait to be released.

The 12-member group, along with two Dutchmen, had been due to be let out on bail around 10am Greek time.

But that deadline passed with the party still behind bars, a delay which reflects the situation of the last five weeks since they were arrested on spying charges.

Judges have granted the group bail, at £9,000 each, after dropping the original allegations of spying.

The group's members still have to return to Greece next year to face trial on a lesser charge of gathering secret information after allegedly taking photos at a military base in the Greek town of Kalamata on November 8.

Labour East MEP Richard Howitt, who has battled for the release of the group, is in Greece to meet them as and when they walk free.

He said from inside the prison, he said: "I have spoken with the two Dutchmen who said the Britons are just relieved to, hopefully, finally be heading home.

"I suppose no-one is that surprised they were not released on time but the paperwork is being completed as we speak and I remain very confident the group will be out this morning."