A Wigton man has been freed from the Indian prison where he has been locked up for almost two years.

John Armstrong and 34 other men were dramatically cleared of all charges yesterday.

They had been enduring a living nightmare since their arrest on board the Seaman Guard Ohio in October 2013.

John, 30, was driven out of the gates of Puzhal prison, in Chennai, shortly before 8am UK time.

He and the five other Britons jailed alongside him - collectively known as the #Chennai6 - were taken straight to the Deputy High Commission.

There, the former Paratrooper was able to phone his family back in Wigton and confirm his release.

His sister, Joanne Thomlinson, told the News & Star : "I feel relieved the order got to the prison so quickly to allow them to be released today.

"It was a very brief conversation with John, more logistical than anything as we're trying to coordinate where he's going to stay, how he's going to get his possessions back etc etc.

"We'll hopefully be able to have a proper conversation with him later today when he gets settled somewhere."

Yesterday John's parents, John and Helen, gave an exclusive interview talking of their hope and excitement at soon having their son "back where he belongs". Read the story and watch the video here .

John Armstrong, 30, is one of six Britons, known as the #Chennai6. The others are: Billy Irving, Ray Tindall, Paul Towers, Nick Simpson and Nick Dunn.

They were all working as maritime security guards – or pirate hunters – for the American company AdvanFort, when they were arrested alongside the other 29 crew members in October 2013. After seven months in jail, they were released on bail and the charges were later quashed – ruling them officially free men.

However, Q Branch – the section of the police which led their prosecution – appealed that decision and, 18 months later, the case finally went to court.

In January 2016 the 35 men were convicted and sentenced to five years in jail. An appeal was lodged the following month, and finally heard in November 2016.

After a year of no news, two weeks ago the Supreme Court said the judge should give his verdict within 14 days.

That verdict came yesterday and saw all 35 men immediately acquitted and an order issued that the fines they paid were reimbursed to the men. They may also now apply for their passports to be returned.

The next stage will be to obtain the paperwork required to allow them to leave India and head home to their families.