CAMPAIGNERS calling for the release of a Cumbrian man imprisoned in India, are preparing to march through the streets of Carlisle.

The family and friends of John Armstrong will be joined by the loved ones of five other Britons in jail alongside the Wigton man.

The six have always protested their innocence and are still battling the Indian justice system which saw them, in January, sentenced to five years’ hard labour.

They were among 35 crew members on board the American anti-piracy ship, the Seaman Guard Ohio, who were convicted of the illegal possession of weapons in international waters.

A campaign calling for the freedom of the six Britons – all former soldiers – has seen the families unite.

On Tuesday 3/5 , Hugo Swire, minister of state at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO), will be in Carlisle with members of the FCO to meet with the families of the Britons at the Halston Hotel, in Warwick Road.

Before that meeting, plans have been revealed to hold a rally to show support for John, 27, and the others.

His sister Joanne Thomlinson, 30, from Blennerhasset, near Aspatria, told the News & Star : “We’re going to be holding a rally in Carlisle from 11am on Tuesday, prior to the meeting, in support of the men.

“There will be a simultaneous rally in Oban [home to fellow prisoner Billy Irving] for people that can’t travel down to Carlisle.”

Campaigners will gather at Debenhams at 11am and march through the city, finishing at the Halston. There will be guest speakers at the end.

A Facebook group has been set up – entitled FreeSGO6 Rally – calling on people to turn up with banners and their “loudest voices”.

Organisers wrote: “We would really appreciate any support you can give. Please share with army organisations, friends, family and anyone you feel would like to fight for justice for our men.”

John and the men were first arrested in October 2013, spending an initial six months in prison before being released on bail.

Six months later all charges were quashed, but they were forced to remain in the country while the police appealed against that decision.

That appeal was eventually won and the men finally stood trial last September, with a verdict returned in January.

There have been discussions about a possible prison transfer to the UK, but the men would have to give up their right to appeal and would not be able to apply for a reduced sentence.