DEMANDS for the release of deaf charity worker Ian Stillman have been given the immediate backing of hundreds of Evening Press readers.

In only one week, more than 300 people have added their voice to our call for the 51-year-old to be freed from a north Indian prison.

And petitions continue to flood in.

An Evening Press receptionist said: "We had about six people queuing outside waiting for us to open the other day, all of them waiting to sign the petition.

"Every other person who comes in has been asking about it."

Dozens of newly-signed petitions continue to arrive every day - and the support must continue.

It is hoped thousands of signatures asking for Ian's release can be handed to the Indian Government.

The Evening Press launched its campaign last week in support of Ian, whose parents live in Tadcaster Road, York.

He was sentenced to ten years in prison last year after being convicted of possession of 20 kilograms of cannabis - a charge he has always denied and one which those who know him are unable to believe.

A committed Christian, Ian, who had a leg amputated after a road accident, moved to India 27 years ago and has dedicated his life to helping the country's deaf.

Himself profoundly deaf since childhood, Ian and his Indian wife Sue set up the Nambikkai Foundation which has taught more than 1,000 deaf and hearing impaired Indians independence skills.

Jaysahree Raveendran, the director of Indian disability group the Ability Foundation, said: "Ian Stillman has dedicated his life to the well-being of the poor and hearing-impaired Indians. He is one of the most dedicated humanitarians I have ever known.

"He is a person with high values, sincerity and honesty, with goodness in his heart. He is a rare human being."

A spokesman for the country's Deaf Communi-cation Trust said: "People like Mr Stillman who put in their heart and soul to help the situation of the deaf in India are very rare to find. I strongly believe it is impossible for him to have committed such illegal activity."

The Evening Press will continue to collect signatures and show its support for Ian's case until he is freed.

The Evening Press petition can be collected from our offices in York and Malton.

Multiple copies can be obtained for anybody who wants to display it in shops or offices.

Updated: 11:11 Saturday, April 06, 2002