THE Evening Press has despatched a reporter to Greece to keep readers up to date with the plight of the arrested York air enthusiast Andy Jenkins.

Andy, from Barkston Avenue, is facing espionage charges, along with 11 other Britons, after being arrested for looking at warplanes at an air base near the Greek town of Kalamata.

Reporter Nick Hallissey today flew out to Athens, and should arrive in Napflion, where Andy is being held, early tomorrow.

The Evening Press aims to obtain an interview with Andy from his cell, and to follow the progress of the case against him.

By keeping in contact with the Greek authorities and the British Consulate Nick hopes to provide the most up-to-date information possible, both in the Evening Press and on our website, www.thisisyork.co.uk

He took with him messages of support from Andy's family and friends, who remain convinced of his innocence.

Andy's father, Edwin, said: "I would just like to be able to say: 'Hello son, I hope you are home soon. I know you are innocent'."

His sister, Adele Yon, 47, of Bishopthorpe, sent a message from herself and her family, Andy's other sister, Linda, 49, and her family in Rawcliffe, and from brother, Steve, 45, and his family in Accrington, Lancashire - as well as uncles, aunts and many friends.

"We just want to say that we love him, we miss him, we all wish him well and we want him home and we know he's innocent," she said.

Adele said her husband, Eddie, had been getting in touch with MPs to gather support for Andy's cause and were in regular touch with the Foreign Office, on behalf of their father, Edwin.

"I was only talking to him a few days before he left. It shocked us all. We just can't believe it," she said.

"I wish I could get over there and just drag him out."

She said Andy had been the "baby" of the family. She remembered him being mad on train-spotting and bird watching as a boy and was positive he was only enjoying his latest hobby.

Andy's friend, Adrian Hairsine, of Rawcliffe, York, added: "We are very appreciative that the Evening Press is giving as much coverage as possible to what is happening to Andy.

"We are all really hoping for good news."

Updated: 10:31 Thursday, November 22, 2001