Plymouth's Herald secured an interview with freed captive Arthur Batchelor – without paying a fee – in the row over whether forces personnel can sell their stories to the press.

The exclusive featured the Plymouth-based sailor describing how he felt he had let down the Royal Navy, feeling he has 'disappointed' his comrades by selling his story to a national newspaper.

The timing of Tristan Nichols' article was perfect, with Defence Secretary Des Browne announcing he would accept full responsibility for the events surrounding the 15 sailors' return home from being held prisoner in Iran.

Other news outlets picked up on the story and it was featured on Newsnight, ITN, BBC News 24 and the 6 O'Clock News, with Tristan himself being interviewed live on camera for News 24.

The newspaper's editorial column backed the services personnel, saying it was they who had been let down, rather than letting the Navy down themselves.

It said: "Many of the comments posted on the Herald's website attack the Navy decision, particularly in light of the U-turn which has since banned more sales of stories.

"And in an interview for which no payment was made or sought, Arthur makes clear his regret over selling his story, saying he feels he has let down the Royal Navy.

"We do not blame the two individuals for their actions; neither was versed in the ways of the national media and could not have foreseen what would happen.

"But this whole sorry episode proves what a ridiculous decision it was to let them enter the public arena in this way - and how badly they have been let down by officials who should have known much better."

The row erupted over the weekend after it was revealed the Ministry of Defence was allowing the 15 personnel to sell their stories to the media after a fortnight as prisoners in the middle east.

Arthur told the Herald: "I felt like I'd disappointed the whole Royal Navy because only two of us did interviews.

"My understanding was that everyone would be giving them.

"I can see why they've done the U-turn, but I'd rather have been told beforehand.

"If they'd told me beforehand, I wouldn't have done it."

Plymouth sailor Faye Turney's decision to sell her story to a national newspaper and to appear on ITV's Tonight with Trevor McDonald programme generated a whirlwind of anger.

Other regional newspapers which scooped free interviews with the former prisoners included the Manchester Evening News, which spoke to Captain Chris Air, and the South Wales Evening Post, which used its good relationship with the family of Lieutenant Felix Carman to get his side of the story on his release.