A former paratrooper imprisoned in India has spoken of his gratitude after receiving Royal backing in his bid for freedom.

John Armstrong, from Wigton, is one of six UK veterans – and 35 crew members in total – serving a five year jail sentence after being convicted of illegally possessing firearms in Indian waters.

They have always protested their innocence, insisting they had the correct licences and were working as armed security guards for American anti-piracy firm AdvanFort.

While the men, of all nationalities, stood trial in September 2015 and were convicted in January this year, their ordeal began in October 2013 when they were arrested on board their ship and thrown in jail.

They were released on bail after six months of campaigning, and finally saw the charges quashed in July 2014. However, they were forced to remain in India until an appeal took place. This was subsequently upheld, leading to the trial.

John’s family have been campaigning tirelessly for his release, repeatedly calling on the British Government to step in.

Of the six former soldiers, four are ex-paras, and so John’s parents, Helen and John, wrote to Prince Charles in his capacity as Colonel in Chief of The Parachute Regiment.

The Prince of Wales had met John, 29, in 2011 when he handed out medals to troops who had returned from a six-month tour of Afghanistan.

The Armstrongs have since received a letter back from his assistant private secretary, offering support.

“The Prince of Wales was deeply saddened to hear of the distressing situation your son John, and indeed your family, finds itself in,” the letter says.

“The prolonged separation, concern for health and well-being and financial strain as you await the outcome of the judicial process must be a very great burden on you all.

“His Royal Highness is grateful to you for taking the trouble to write to him as you did and he feels so deeply for you. I send you every good wish for a speedy conclusion to this matter so that John may return to his loved ones soon.”

John has said how proud he was to receive his medals, and therefore how touched he was that the Royal Family is thinking of them.

Prince Harry has also sent his support.

The news of the royal backing comes as the six families published an open letter to Foreign Secretary Boris Johnson, pleading with him to intervene.

Signed by all the families, including John’s sister Joanne Thomlinson, who lives in Blennerhasset, it says: “The past three years have been the longest and most heart-breaking years of our lives. The men we love are incarcerated in an Indian jail for a crime they did not commit.

“Our men may be veterans, but in their hearts they will always be British soldiers and to us they are and always will be so much more.

“We ask you Boris, as our Foreign Minister, as an avid supporter of the forces and our veterans, and most of all as a human being, to help us. To help our men. To free the innocent and bring our men home to us.”