THE EVENING Press demand to the Indian Government to free deaf charity worker Ian Stillman is gathering pace.

Dozens of petition forms have been collected by readers - only hours after they were printed.

Meanwhile, strong political support is mobilising for Ian, 51, whose imprisonment has been called "the worst miscarriage of justice I have dealt with" by human rights lawyer Stephen Jakobi.

The leader of the European Parliament has expressed "grave concerns" about Ian's treatment, while the House of Commons prepares to debate his plight.

The Evening Press campaign was launched on Thursday and aims to free Ian from a jail in the foothills of the Himalayas, thousands of miles from his home and his wife, Sue. Ian, who lost a leg in a motorcycle accident six years ago, moved to India nearly 30 years ago to dedicate his life to helping the country's deaf - setting up a charity which is widely respected.

Last year, he was convicted of possessing cannabis and jailed for ten years - despite denials of any involvement.

Ian, who is profoundly deaf, was not allowed a sign language translator at his trial, effectively barring him from the proceedings. His father, Roy, who lives in Tadcaster Road, York, said today: "It is excellent news that people have shown they want to support Ian. It means a lot to all of us."

Petitions are available at Evening Press offices in York and Malton, and within the campains section of this website.

Completed forms will be handed to the Indian High Commission in London. MPs will discuss the case on April 11, and 211 of them, including representatives of York, Ryedale, Selby and Harrogate, have asked the Indian Prime Minister to intervene.

The European Parliament has contacted Ian's family.

Brendan Bowles, a friend of Ian's, said: "We were pleased to receive a copy of a letter from Pat Cox, the President of the European Parliament, addressed to the Indian Ambassador to the European Community that clearly stated the President's grave concerns over the fairness of Ian's trial."

The Indian High Commission, in London, has so far not responded to numerous requests for comment.

Updated: 10:29 Saturday, March 30, 2002