THE Archbishop of York, Dr David Hope, is backing the Evening Press call to free deaf charity worker Ian Stillman.

The 51-year-old disabled man, whose parents live in Tadcaster Road, York, is serving a ten-year prison sentence in India after being convicted of cannabis possession, which he has always denied.

Dr Hope sent a message to a special church service at which Ian's family spoke.

He said: "I am delighted to hear that there is a special service and I am only sorry I cannot be present since I am abroad.

"I want all those present to know that the campaign has my full support and backing."

Nearly 3,000 people have now signed a petition after his family urged those gathered at St Edward the Confessor Church, in Dringhouses, York, not to forget him.

Ian's sister, Alison Phelps, said: "We are so grateful to the city of York. We know you have heard about Ian's situation and that you have been campaigning for him.

"We have been greatly encouraged and sustained by the support and prayer that we know has been going on here recently."

The church was full for the service and sign language translators relayed it to deaf congregation members.

The service included hymns specially chosen by Ian's family, and prayers led by his father, Roy. It drew attention not only to Ian's plight but also to the plight of the deaf in India, to whom he had dedicated his life.

The congregation also prayed for Ian's wife, Sue, their 23-year-old son, Lennie, and autistic daughter, Anita, 20.

"She misses her dad and keeps asking where he is," said Roy.

Ian Stillman moved to India 27 years ago to work with the deaf.

Although his family are strong Christians, his sister told how Ian's faith had weakened until he went to India.

"I remember him telling me that the people who were going to church were fat cats and full of hypocrisy," she said. "But in India he saw poor people, people who were begging, who had no hope in this world but had love in their lives, and he rethought his own life and was baptised."

The Evening Press started its Free Ian Campaign after he was denied a sign language translator at his trial, effectively excluding him from taking any part in the proceedings.

Updated: 11:08 Monday, April 29, 2002