THE Hampshire family of a charity worker being held in an Indian jail for drug trafficking believe he could be back in the UK within days.

Elspeth Dugdale's brother Ian Stillman is currently serving ten years in prison in India after he was in a taxi which contained 20kg of cannabis two years ago. He has always maintained his innocence.

But Mr Stillman could be granted an act of clemency before Christmas which, despite not clearing his name, would allow him to go free on the condition that he is deported.

The news comes as the family celebrated Mr Stillman's 52nd birthday yesterday at their home in Braishfield, near Romsey.

Elspeth believes it is "all systems go" after a meeting between the Indian authorities and the British high commissioner in Delhi prompted the development.

She said: "I cannot get my head around it at all. It would be particularly poignant as it's Christmas.

"We are quite cautious because once bitten, twice shy. I'll believe it when I see the whites of his eyes at Heathrow Airport."

But, as Elspeth pointed out, India is now his home and coming back to the UK could mean leaving his wife and daughter behind.

Elspeth said: "We will support them whatever they decide to do."

The family lit an Advent candle to remember Mr Stillman on his birthday after they had earlier spoken to him by telephone to wish him happy birthday.

Elspeth's husband Jerry is currently in India to fight for Mr Stillman's release and deliver some birthday treats.

Among the 800 cards and gifts being delivered are some homemade flapjacks, lemon meringue pie and Marmite.

Mr Stillman - who is deaf, diabetic and has only one leg after a road accident 15 years ago - was jailed for ten years in 2000 for supposed drug trafficking.

The aid worker, who has lived in India for 30 years and is married to an Indian woman, was a passenger in a taxi driving through the foothills of the Himalayas when police searched the car and allegedly found 20kg of cannabis.

Campaigners believe his case is a miscarriage of justice as his trial was conducted in Hindi without the benefit of a sign language interpreter.

He lost his appeal against his conviction and was then denied the right to appeal to India's Supreme Court.

Elspeth added: "The human cost to the family is so great.

"We will continue our fight to clear his name."