THE family of a plane spotter spoke of their shock yesterday after learning that he could face five years in a Greek prison.

Andy Jenkins, of York, was one of a dozen enthusiasts arrested last November at the country's Kalamata air base, for allegedly taking photographs during an air show.

He has now been told he must return to Greece next month to face trial on an espionage charge.

Mr Jenkins' lawyer, Ioannis Zacharis, said the hearing would take place over two days at Kalamata court, starting on April 24. If convicted, he could face a maximum of five years in prison.

Mr Jenkins said he was confident of having his name cleared. "I am fine about it. I am absolutely confident. I have done nothing wrong," he said yesterday.

The news that the trial will go ahead has shocked members of Mr Jenkins' family, who are waiting to hear full details.

His brother, Steve, said: "We thought it would be treated like a misunderstanding and that they would be released."

The group was held on suspicion of spying for almost six weeks before being released in December, after judges reduced the charge to gathering secret information.