FOREIGN Secretary Jack Straw has promised convicted planespotter Wayne Groves diplomatic help to secure a swift appeal.

He made the pledge at a 75-minute Westminster meeting yesterday, amid fears it could take two years for 38-year-old Mr Groves' case to be heard by the Greek courts.

Mr Straw said he would also seek urgent clarification with Interpol and the US authorities as to whether the former Worcestershire man is free to travel.

Along with the other 11 Britons convicted on spying charges, he has been left unsure about whether he can leave the country for work or a holiday.

Mr Groves, a former Nunnery Wood High School pupil, was handed a one-year suspended sentence, along with five other members of the party, for aiding and abetting.

A further six, convicted of spying, were sentenced to three years in jail, but freed pending an appeal.

Diplomatic

Mr Groves, who met Mr Straw along with the 11 other Britons, said they had received a promise of diplomatic assistance from the Government.

"It was a very constructive meeting and Jack Straw has obviously been following our case closely and making strong representations on our behalf," said Mr Groves, whose parents live in Whittington, near Worcester.

"He is going to continue to do this, and I am encouraged."

Mr Straw and Prime Minister Tony Blair have described the planespotters' sentences as "disproportionate".

But they have been forced to walk a diplomatic tightrope as they do not want to be seen to be interfering in the Greek judicial system.

Meanwhile, the planespotters have launched an appeal for funds to meet their spiralling legal bill - which has just topped £100,000.

Contributions can be sent to: Planespotters Legal Fund, c/o Fawley Judge and Easton, 1 Parliament Street, Hull, HU1 2AS.