Johnston family 'never lost hope'

The parents of Scottish journalist Alan Johnston, the BBC's correspondent in Gaza, have spoken of their relief at him being freed from captivity.

Graham and Margaret Johnston said they "never lost hope" that they would see their son again.

Mr Johnston was abducted four months ago. He described his experience as "quite terrifying".

Speaking outside the family home in Argyll, Graham Johnston said it had been "a living nightmare".

Mr Johnston Sr said: "It's a wonderful morning, I can't tell you. We got the phone call late last night from the BBC and we're absolutely overjoyed.

"It's been 114 days of a living nightmare and just to hear his voice. He telephoned us. There was a lot of noise in the background - I think he was being jostled a lot - and all he said was: 'Hello, dad' and I: 'Hello, son, I hear you're alright.' He said: 'I'm a 100%'.

"The phone was cut so that's all we've had from him so far - but we've seen him on the box and it's just incredible; it's been a long 114 days."