READERS of The Wesmorland Gazette have come forward in their hundreds to back the campaign to free a South Lakeland man from a Turkish jail.

Almost 400 people showed their support by signing the Bail Not Jail forms, urging the Turkish authorities to release Paul Cleasby, 43, while he awaits his trial.

MP for Westmorland and Lonsdale Tim Collins personally delivered forms signed by 324 readers to the Turkish Embassy, in London, on Wednesday. A further 45 people signed forms that arrived too late to be sent to Mr Collins, but they will be posted on to the Embassy with a covering letter.

Mr Cleasby, who has been accused of smuggling antiquities, has now been in jail for approaching five weeks, and his trial is not due to start until November 8.

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