YORK air enthusiast Andy Jenkins, who was convicted of spying by the Greek military, today added his voice to a bid to get the plight of the "plane spotters" back into the public eye.

Andy was one of 12 Britons who were arrested last November at Kalamata airbase, in southern Greece, after the authorities suspected them of spying.

He was convicted earlier this year, and sentenced to three years' imprisonment. The sentence is on hold, pending an appeal which begins next Monday in Kalamata.

Today, six of the plane spotters were holding a press conference in London, designed to raise public awareness of their plight.

Andy was unable to join the group due to other commitments, but backed their bid from his home in Barkston Avenue, York.

"It's just about getting it back into the public eye," he said.

"We want the public to appreciate what's going on. Obviously they have in the past, but this is a reminder.

"It's something the group felt they should do before we go back to Greece. I wish them well."

The group giving the press conference consisted mainly of the southern-based enthusiasts, he said. The other northerner, Hull's Mike Bursell, was also unable to attend.

Andy, 32, was among six members of the group to be convicted of espionage. The other six were convicted of aiding and abetting espionage.

All have protested their innocence, and denied taking photographs of military aircraft.

The news conference, at the European Parliament Office, coincides with Prime Minister Tony Blair's meeting with his Greek counterpart, Costas Simitis, today.

Group leader Paul Coppin said: "We hope that we will receive a fair trial, with the defence evidence actually being considered by the judges before reaching a verdict. This was not the case in our earlier appeals."

Andy, who will fly out to Greece on Saturday ahead of the appeal, added: "This is just another step forward. I'm feeling confident."

Updated: 11:42 Monday, October 28, 2002