A Lancashire man cleared of a double murder after 17 years in prison has spoken to the Lancashire Evening Telegraph about the support he received while behind bars.

During his time in prison, Peter Fell wrote to various reporters at the Telegraph to protest his innocence and tell of his experiences inside.

In an interview with the Telegraph, Peter said: "Being in prison is one of the worst feelings in the world.

"But being in prison for crimes you know you didn't commit is even worse.

"I found great comfort in writing to people like reporters as they were prepared to listen at a time when nobody else would, and the prison service just wanted to forget about me."

Over the years, Peter's letters to the paper charted his stays in various prisons around the country, and told of the support he received from solicitors and the freedom group Liberty, who said his conviction was "one of the most unsafe" in the country.

They also told of the struggle he had to get the wheels of justice turning again, and in one letter, written in 1993, he thanked the paper for informing his MP Greg Pope and Home Secretary Jack Straw of his plight.

Mr Pope has been one of Peter's staunchest supporters ever since. He also used the Telegraph to present his side of the case.

Peter said: "I would just like to thank everyone who has supported me all the way - the MP for Hyndburn, the Lancashire Evening Telegraph, my family and the other people who have helped me.

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