Truckers get foreign helpline

David Wilson was sentenced to 11 years in a Greek prison

A helpline is being set up for truck drivers who find themselves in trouble with foreign police.

The idea is the brainchild of Paul Willis, of Bradford, whose friend - David Wilson - was convicted by a Greek court of smuggling illegal immigrants.

Mr Wilson, from Wyke, is currently at home on bail pending an appeal against his 11 year prison sentence.

Now haulage firm boss Mr Willis is setting up a phone line and website to be used by lorry drivers who find themselves in similar circumstances.

Once a driver leaves these shores he is on his own

Paul Willis

Mr Willis hopes to have both operating by the end of the month.

He said British drivers are vulnerable to criminals and illegal immigrants from the moment they leave the UK.

Mr Willis said: "Once a driver leaves these shores he is on his own with no support from any quarter if anything goes wrong.

"It's a ludicrous situation and needs some co-ordination.

"What I am trying to do is set up a hotline where people can get advice, legal help, assistance with finding a solicitor and support for their families."

Mr Wilson was jailed the day after his arrest in March under the Greek "fast-track" legal system.

He was given a local solicitor but found guilty of transporting 19 Iraqi Kurds in his truck and fined £47,000.

Mr Willis visited his friend during his time in prison helping to get him released on bail.