A Whitton family is keeping a constant vigil for news of their son who is being detained in Greece on espionage charges.

Graham Arnold, 38, is one of 12 members of a party of plane spotters arrested at an airbase near Kalamata on Wednesday, November 7, for allegedly taking photographs of military aircraft.

Greek officials confiscated two rolls of film from the party and investigators were due to travel to Kalamata on Wednesday to view the photos.

The party was remanded in custody on Monday after appearing in court charged with spying.

They have denied taking photos of a restricted military base an offence that can carry a sentence of up to 20 years in Greece and are due to return to court today (Friday).

Mr Arnolds father Ron, of Vincam Road, Whitton, said he was keeping his fingers crossed that his son would be released and allowed to come home.

He told the Comet he was in regular contact with Graham and that he appeared to be in good spirits, despite the delays in hearing the case.

Mr Arnold said: Graham seems to be a lot happier than he was previously. Obviously he is now anxious to get the whole thing over.

Graham has been on day trips with organisations that he has belonged to. A week-long trip like this is a once in a life time experience. It is something that he has always wanted to do.

He has gone on a bona fide trip. The groups itinerary was taking them to museums and aircraft wreck sites. They then went to an air show last Thursday.

They were told they must not take any photos and I am assured by Graham that they did not.

The Foreign Office said the members of the aviation trip, organised by Touchdown Tours, were receiving legal advice and support from the British Consul.

Twickenham MP Vincent Cable has written to the Greek Ambassador to protest about the detention of the plane spotters for what he described as a simple misunderstanding and called for them to be freed at once.

By.Helen Barnes