FOREIGN Secretary Jack Straw has promised convicted plane spotter Andy Jenkins diplomatic help to secure a swift appeal.

He made the pledge at a 75-minute Westminster meeting yesterday, amid fears it could take two years for Mr Jenkins' case to be heard by the Greek courts.

Mr Straw said he would also seek urgent clarification with Interpol and the US authorities as to whether the 32-year-old is free to travel.

Along with the other 11 Britons convicted on spying charges, he has been left unsure about whether he can leave the country for work or a holiday.

Mr Jenkins, of Acomb, York, was one of six British plane spotters who received a three-year prison sentence after being found guilty of spying at a Greek air force base.

A further six British spotters were handed year-long suspended sentences after being found guilty of aiding and abetting espionage.

Mr Jenkins, who met Mr Straw along with the 11 other Britons, said they had received a promise of diplomatic assistance from the Government.

He told the Evening Press: "The Foreign Secretary showed some passion for our cause and that was encouraging.

"He can have no say on what goes on inside the Greek courts, but he is clearly committed to helping us.

"Whether it takes one year or two makes no odds to me. Either way, I have the determination to clear my name."

York MP Hugh Bayley, who also attended the meeting, added: "The Foreign Secretary was asked to make representations to the Greek authorities on getting the appeal heard as soon as possible, and he said he would do that.

"Jack also made it clear that, initially, the Greek Foreign Minister did not understand what plane spotting was about. This was an enormous concern to people in Britain, but Jack said he has now explained plane spotting to him."

Mr Straw and Prime Minister Tony Blair have described the planes potters' sentences as "disproportionate".

But they have been forced to walk a diplomatic tightrope as they do not want to be seen to be interfering in the Greek judicial system.

At yesterday's meeting Mr Straw stopped short of agreeing with the plane spotters' claims they have suffered a "miscarriage of justice".

But he pledged diplomatic assistance to ensure the appeal is as "open and transparent" as possible. He also offered help in securing a transcript ofthe original trial.

Mr Straw said he had taken a personal interest in the case from the start and he understood how distressing it was the planespotters had not been cleared at the original trial in April.

He added: "I told them that we will stick with them throughout the legal process. We will continue to provide whatever assistance we can to the group."

Meanwhile, the plane spotters have launched an appeal for funds to meet their spiralling legal bill which has just topped £100,000.

Contributions can be sent to: Plane spotters Legal Fund, c/o Fawley Judge and Easton, 1 Parliament Street, Hull, HU1 2AS.

Updated: 08:58 Friday, May 24, 2002