A group of British and Dutch planespotters who spent more than a month in a Greek jail last year after being accused of spying returned to the country yesterday to face trial.

The 12 British and two Dutch planespotters arrived in Athens and were to travel by bus for the trial in the southern town of Kalamata, where they were arrested on November 8. The trial is due to start tomorrow.

The group was arrested for allegedly taking photos during an air show at a Kalamata military base. Originally faced with felony charges carrying a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment, they were released on December 14 after posting bail of 12,800 dollars each. They now face a misdemeanor charge.

Richard Howitt, a British Euro MP who is supporting the British planespotters, is due in Kalamata today, and will appear as a character witness during the trial. (AP)