Brits imprisoned in India on weapons charges

Efforts are intensifying here and abroad to secure the release of six former British soldiers - including three from our region - who have been held prisoner in one of India's most notorious jails since October on weapons charges.

Lawyers say the next few days could be critical to securing their freedom.

Nick Dunn from Ashington, Paul Towers from outside York and Nicholas Simpson from Catterick are all being held in Chennai jail.

The sister of one of the men - Lisa Dunn - has travelled 6,000 miles to see them and to step up the campaign to free them.

Lisa visited the prison where her brother Nick is currently being held and described the conditions.

It follows their imprisonment in October after what they thought was a routine paperwork check aboard their security vessel Seaman Guard Ohio turned into them all being arrested.

Their company AdvanFort has always insisted the men were working to provide protection to other ships from pirate attacks, but the Indian courts have pressed weapons charges on the Brits.

The men's families are now stepping up their campaign to get the soldiers freed as lawyers in India launch new appeals in the court.

Watch Gregg's report from India below.