Hostage video 'proof of life'

Mr Henderson's father says Mark is not his usual self in the film

The father of a British backpacker being held hostage in the Colombian jungle says a video tape released by his son's captors is "proof of life".

Mark Henderson, of Pateley Bridge, North Yorkshire, is one of seven foreign nationals being held by the National Liberation Army (ELN).

The group were seized on 12 September while hiking in the mountains to visit the Lost City of the Sierra Nevada.

Speaking on BBC Breakfast News on Thursday his father Christopher said: "It's good to see, as they say, proof of life.

He added: "He was on a trekking holiday through central America, I spoke to him about a week before he went on that trek.

"It was in an area that is not recommended to be avoided by the Foreign Office and he thought it was quite safe. Many tourists go to the Lost City."

A second Briton, Matthew Scott, escaped 10 days after being taken hostage by diving off a cliff.

As you can see my beard has grown and I've got thinner. I've started smoking again but desperate times, desperate measures Mark Henderson

Mr Henderson appeared in good health on the video ahead of his 32nd birthday on 16 November.

He said: "To mum and dad, James, Emma and the kids and all my family and friends, I want to tell you that I'm okay and being treated well.

"As you can see my beard has grown and I've got thinner. I've started smoking again but desperate times, desperate measures.

"I hope you are putting whatever pressure you can on the government to get me out of here as it has been almost eight weeks now."

Taking toll

But earlier Christopher Henderson had told BBC Radio York the experience was taking its toll on his son in the jungle.

He said after watching the video: "It's not his usual spirit and I understand from the Reuters report they're being held separately.

"He hasn't had the company of the other prisoners, I believe.

"I think physically he's alright, but he's not his usual self in that respect."

HOSTAGES HELD Israelis Beni Daniel, Ortaz Ohayon, Ido Joseph Guy, and Erez Altawil Spaniard Asier Huegun Briton Mark Henderson German Reinhilt Weigel

A German and Spaniard being held by the group appeared on the tape to appeal for government help to secure their freedom.

Four Israeli captives were also shown drinking coffee and playing cards flanked by armed guards.

The ELN is negotiating with the Colombian government over the potential release of the hostages through mediators from the Roman Catholic Church.

But a guerrilla spokesman warned against a rescue attempt and said: "The unit in the area has orders not to permit a rescue, in the sense that, they will execute the detainees."