Freed hostage home for Christmas

Mark celebrated his return with his parents Christopher and Sharelle

Released British hostage Mark Henderson has arrived back in the UK.

The 32-year-old TV producer told reporters at Heathrow airport: "It's amazing to be home for Christmas."

He was reunited with his parents after flying from Colombia on Christmas Eve.

Mr Henderson, who was captured during a jungle trek, was freed along with four Israelis by rebels of the left-wing ELN on Monday.

He said: "It's still a little bit overwhelming. It's only been 48 hours since I was having coffee with guerrillas but I am here now. It does feel amazing to be out and free.

"I have been checked over and seem to be fine. I don't seem to have any bugs or malaria."

'Good shape'

Mr Henderson said he felt overwhelmed being back home in the UK.

He said: "It still feels like it's September to us".

It's still a little bit overwhelming. It's only been 48 hours since I was having coffee with guerrillas but I am here now. It does feel amazing to be out and free. Mark Henderson

He thanked the Catholic church, for its role in securing his release as well as the Colombian and British governments.

Mr Henderson also thanked all those who had supported his family while he was held hostage.

In a prepared statement, he said he was well but tired after 102 days in the jungle.

He has lost two stone since he was captured but was said to be in "good shape" after undergoing medical tests at the British Embassy in Bogota before flying home.

He wished everyone a Merry Christmas but refused to answer any further questions.

Mr Henderson's mother, Sharelle cried as her husband Christopher also thanked everyone for their support.

Her husband asked the press to respect his family and "allow Mark to tell his story in his way when he is ready."

Earlier, Mrs Henderson said the family were preparing to receive the "best gift" they could dream of - his Christmas homecoming.

Her son is expected to spend Christmas with his family in North Yorkshire before they fly out to meet his brother in New Zealand.

He has reportedly been craving some home comforts after celebrating his freedom with cheese and Coca Cola on Monday night.

Speaking earlier from their home in Pateley Bridge, Mrs Henderson said: "We're going to cook a traditional Christmas dinner but apparently a nice pizza and glass of red wine will go down well."

Mediation

Mr Henderson was among eight tourists held by the ELN - the National Liberation Army - on 12 September, during a trek through the 2,500-year-old Ciudad Perdida (Lost City) Indian ruins.

Mr Henderson said he was overwhelmed to be back home

The hostages' release came after mediation by Catholic church negotiators working as part of a human rights commission.

The rebels said they had kidnapped the men to publicise the persecution of Indian villagers by rightwing paramilitaries, and not for a ransom.

The ELN and other rebel groups are holding hundreds of Colombian hostages at any given time.

The UK Foreign Office advises against all travel to Colombia.

Mr Henderson's fellow hostage Matthew Scott, 19, from London, who escaped the rebels shortly after their capture says he wants to meet up with Mr Henderson.