I READ the front page story (Advertiser, July 8) of the local man now in a Thai prison with sympathy and concern for the terrible conditions he is facing.

For many years I have supported a small charity, Prisoners Abroad, which seeks to help in cases exactly like the one highlighted.

People are people, whether or not they are guilty, and should receive reasonable medical care, basic food, water, exercise etc that we take for granted in the UK.

Too often in jails abroad this is not the case and Brits find it particularly difficult without access to local friends or family to provide essentials.

There is also the problem of lack of English speaking lawyers and the cultural barriers preventing access to a fair trial. I would urge readers to help Lance and others like him by contacting PA at prisonersabroad.org.uk, 89- 93 Fonthill Road, London, N4 3JH or call 020 7561 6820.

Every donation, of whatever size, will be put to good use. It can be very easy to break a local law, it could be you or a loved one who suffers next, so please make a donation and help someone today.

Martin Tingle,

Golden Cross Lane,

Bromsgrove