In pictures: Alan Johnston release

BBC Gaza correspondent Alan Johnston has been freed, almost four months after he was seized by the Army of Islam group in the Gaza Strip.

In the first of a series of news conferences, Mr Johnston said he had "dreamt many times of being free" and said he was delighted the "terrifying" ordeal was over.

Meanwhile, friends and colleagues of Mr Johnston working in the BBC bureau in Jerusalem celebrated his release.

Mr Johnston said: "It was like being buried alive. I felt removed from the world. It was occasionally terrifying, being held by people who were dangerous and unpredictable."

The Army of Islam released three videos during his incarceration, one of which featured footage of the kidnapped correspondent apparently wearing an explosives belt.

Mr Johnston was supported throughout his ordeal by his BBC colleagues. They are pictured holding a vigil in the newsroom at Television Centre to mark his 100th day in captivity.

After being released Alan Johnston could at last enjoy some of the privileges he had been denied in captivity - a haircut, for example, and a nice cup of tea.

At the British Consulate in Jerusalem he spoke at length to the media, describing in detail the trauma of his seizure.

The BBC Director General, Mark Thompson, was among many quick to express relief and joy at the reporter's release.

Alan Johnston's father, Graham (left), sister, Katriona (centre) and mother, Margaret met BBC staff at Bush House, London, and were attending an awards ceremony on Wednesday night.

Alan Johnston's colleagues at Bush House, the place where he worked for the last 20 years, showed their appreciation to his family.

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