Campaigners trying to free a Bradford trucker jailed in Greece for transporting illegal immigrants have raised £16,000 towards the cause.

Self-employed driver David Wilson, of Wyke, was caught with 19 Iraqi refugees in his lorry as he waited to board a ferry to Italy last month. The father-of-one was fined £47,000 and imprisoned for 11 years following a hasty trial the day after his arrest. His solicitor could not speak English and his interpreter was a local shopkeeper.

London-based organisation Fair Trials Abroad has found him a new solicitor who is trying to fix an appeal.

Mr Wilson's family and friends have raised £16,000 towards the £22,000 bail needed to free him, pending the appeal.

In the latest fundraising event, the Westfield Pub in Whitehall, Wyke, raised £900 to help.

His wife Tracey, 42, a hospital administrator, speaks to him most mornings by telephone.

She said: "He is up and down and pretty low on some days.

"He is usually very active and now he is so bored. He had his 44th birthday in jail last Saturday, which wasn't the best place to be and he is starting to wonder how long it will take.

"But I am so grateful to everyone who has helped us."

Labour MEP for Yorkshire and the Humber Richard Corbett visited Mr Wilson in jail last week. He said: "David is still in shock but at least has better conditions in a prison in Evia where he was moved a week ago.

"The British Consul and Ambassador are taking the case very seriously. The key is to get him out pending an appeal.

"It is also crucial he gets his lorry back, which has been impounded. All possible avenues are being explored."

Anyone who wants to help support the appeal should contact Mrs Wilson on (01274) 671880.