The Cumbrian family of a man imprisoned in India have released the first photograph of him in jail.

John Armstrong, from Wigton, looks pale and thin in the photo, but is still managing a half-smile.

It is the first photograph of any of the six Britons since an Indian court sentenced them to five years in jail, back in January.

The image is in stark contrast to another showing the 27-year-old just a month before his conviction.

His sister Joanne Thomlinson, from Blennerhasset, said: “It was taken two weeks ago when a friend went to visit him in hospital. There is no need for concern, as John is keeping better now.

“He looks thin and pale but is managing a (half) smile. It’s just comforting to have a picture of him.

"I think this picture shows that no matter how strong John and his colleagues are mentally, the physical conditions of being held in an Indian jail with little food and poor hygiene are taking their toll.

“We just need to get these innocent men home to their families where they belong.”

The Britons are among 35 crew members from the Seaman Guard Ohio who were arrested in October 2013.

After much legal wrangling – and the charges at one stage being quashed – a successful appeal by Indian police led to the men standing trial last September, before their ultimate conviction for the illegal possession of firearms in international waters.

John has always protested his innocence, insisting he was simply working as an armed security guard for the American anti-piracy firm AdvanFort.

An appeal is scheduled to be heard next month.