THE British planespotters convicted of spying in Greece were today appearing in court to start their legal appeal.

The group, including York man Andy Jenkins, 33, from Barkston Avenue, Acomb, was preparing to gamble existing sentences - three years in jail for Andy, who was convicted of espionage - as they bid to clear their names.

If their convictions stand they risk facing tougher sentences, as espionage carries a maximum prison term of five years in jail.

But they said they were confident they would not be forced to serve out prison sentences, even if the court imposed hefty fines.

The 12 Britons and two Dutch men were arrested a year ago, and spent more than six weeks in police cells or prison until they were eventually released on bail of about £9,000 each.

They returned to Greece in April this year, when they were all found guilty of spying or the lesser offence of aiding and abetting, and estimate the legal process has cost them some £25,000 each so far.

All 12 admitted visiting a series of air bases, but all vehemently deny spying and insist they were simply pursuing their hobby and had official permission to be at the bases on the open days.

The court case was not expected to start until 4pm today.

The conviction of the planespotters sparked international outrage and their case was raised by prime Minister Tony Blair last week in a meeting with his Greek counterpart Costas Simitis, who said he hoped this week's appeal would bring a "positive development."

The meeting sparked speculation that a deal had been brokered that the Elgin Marbles, which Britain has continuously refused to return to Athens, could be handed over before the 2004 Olympic Games in return for the planespotters' freedom.

Such rumours were dismissed by the group's legal team, but the lawyers were understood to have told their clients that they were confident that this week's appeal might succeed in removing the threat of jail sentences.

The group insisted they remained positive and would repeat their claims that the information they were accused of gathering, mostly serial numbers from military aircraft at a series of air bases during open days, was not secret.

Andy said that, if the appeal was unsuccessful, he would take his case to the Supreme Court in Athens, and the European Court of Human Rights.

Updated: 11:56 Monday, November 04, 2002