A lorry driver jailed in Greece after being convicted of smuggling illegal immigrants is back driving again after his ordeal but admits: "I never stop checking the truck".

Mr David Wilson, 44, from Wyke, was jailed for ten years last March after being found guilty by a Greek court of smuggling 19 Iraqis into the country after they were found under his cargo of wool.

He was freed pending appeal after serving nine weeks and on January 13 will appear before a judge in Greece in a bid to get the sentence reduced and the conviction quashed.

Now he is back behind the wheel again after at first fearing his ordeal would put him off forever. Mr Wilson has been on runs to France and Germany for the firm run by his friend Paul Willis, who has been battling to clear his name.

Mr Wilson, said: "I was very apprehensive driving again. I check the lorry so often. I used to be vigilant but I am more so than ever now.

"It is like a constant vigil but it is starting to get easier.

"I've been to France and Germany but I couldn't go back to Greece. Never again."

Mr Wilson will be accompanied by his wife Tracey and Mr Willis back to the port of Patras where the appeal hearing will be heard.

He will also be trying to get back his impounded wagon, so he can sell it and pay off the finance.

He said: "I am 95 per cent confident we will be successful but there is always a five per cent doubt it might go the other way and I could be heading back to prison again.

A massive "Free Willy" campaign was launched in Wyke to free Mr Wilson after the fast-tracking system in Greece found him guilty.

The Royal pub at Low Moor became the campaign and fundraising headquarters.

The 19 Iraqi refugees all told the court he didn't know they were there as he was boarding a ferry to Italy.

During the time he spent behind bars his business went into liquidation.

He said: "The past year has been like a millstone around my neck. It is always in the back of your mind.

"It will be good to be able to put it behind me."