PLEDGES of support for metric martyr Steve Thoburn have flooded in from across the country as he considers whether to appeal against his conviction.

The Sunderland market trader was found guilty last Monday of two breaches of the 1985 Weights and Measures Act after losing his battle to sell fruit and vegetables in pounds and ounces. He was given a six-month conditional discharge.

Fellow market trader Neil Herron said last night: ''We have been absolutely inundated with cheques for the appeal fund.

''The support has come from right across Britain.''

The campaigners plan to raise £1m towards a potential appeal, so that Mr Thoburn will not face the possibility of being made bankrupt if he loses.

A team of volunteers is being recruited to open the thousands of letters of support.

Mr Herron said: ''It's impossible to thank everyone individually. We have had support from virtually every continent - the whole world seems to be behind us.''

Meanwhile, Mr Thoburn has taken a break with his family to work out what he will do next.