YORK plane spotter Andrew Jenkins was due to appear in a Greek court today, after his arrest for allegedly taking pictures of military aircraft.

Mr Jenkins, aged 32, of Barkston Avenue, Acomb, York, was one of 12 British people arrested on spying charges at an airbase in Kalamata, in south-eastern Greece, on Thursday.

He had travelled there as part of a week-long excursion organised by Touchdown Tours, which holds worldwide trips to air bases and airfields for enthusiasts.

It is believed they were accused of acting suspiciously close to an air force building.

The 12 arrested, including Touchdown's Paul Coppin, have been detained in Kalamata since Thursday.

Andrew's friend, Brigid Hairsine, said she had spoken to him earlier today, and that he was in "pretty good spirits".

"He said that he was having a tough time, because one minute someone will come in and say something encouraging, then someone else will come in and say something that makes them uneasy.

"They were arrested while they were going around on a pre-arranged open day. As far as he is concerned, they had papers and an invitation that allowed them to be where they were, and were arrested after having been let in and shown around.

"Andy said it made no sense to him. It certainly doesn't to us. He is trying to be optimistic, though."

Updated: 10:53 Monday, November 12, 2001