The mother of caged North Yorkshire arms dealer Peter Bleach today gave a cautious welcome to claims that her son could soon be freed.

A national newspaper has reported that Bleach, who was educated at St Peter's School, York, could be let out of the Calcutta jail when Trade and Industry Secretary Stephen Byers visits India next month.

Bleach's mother Oceana said that while she had not been told anything directly, she was aware that "something was happening in ministerial circles". She said: "I pray that something comes to fruition - it's my last hope."

Mrs Bleach, of Brompton-by-Sawdon, near Scarborough, said she hoped to hear from Home Secretary Jack Straw, who had promised he would contact her if there were any major developments.

Former British Army officer Bleach, 48, who has been in the Presidency prison for five years, was given a life sentence for his part in an arms drop in west Bengal.

Five Latvians jailed with him were freed earlier this year following intervention by Russian president Vladimir Putin.