Sailor release welcomed in UK

London: Downing Street has welcomed the news that the 15 Royal Navy personnel are to be released by Iran as a 'gift to the British people'

A statement released by Downing Street said: "We welcome what the president has said about the release of our 15 personnel.

"We are now establishing exactly what that means in terms of the method a timing of their release."

Elsewhere the news brought celebrations from the families of the captured men and women.

Roy Cooper, uncle of Royal Marine Adam Sperry, said: "The one thing I wanted was Adam's safe return to his family for Easter.

"Whoever has been in the right or wrong, the whole thing has been a political mess, so let's just get them home. It's great.

"It has been so stressful for Adam's mum and grandma and this is the best Easter present they could have.''