FOREIGN Secretary Jack Straw has been urged to show what he is doing personally to help the 12 British plane spotters held in Greece.

Mr Straw had provided no evidence that he was effectively trying to resolve the plight of the 11 men -- including Andrew Jenkins, whose brother Steve lives in Barnoldswick -- and one woman arrested on suspicion of spying, shadow foreign secretary Michael Ancram said.

He said he was writing to Mr Straw over his concern at the lack of response from the Government and to call for a "speedy solution," adding he had received no reply to a letter sent to the Foreign Secretary a week ago.

"There is no evidence, and you have not provided me with any, that you are doing anything effective to try to resolve the situation," Mr Ancram told him.

"Obviously Greek law must prevail, but the detaining in prison, the length of time that is being taken in dealing with the situation are surely matters on which you can, and should, make the strongest representations.

"I would welcome your urgent assurance that you are doing so." Mr Ancram said of his letter: "I am especially concerned that these Britons have now been detained in Greece for over a fortnight, and no end appears to be in sight."

Prime Minister Tony Blair last week telephoned his Greek counterpart to discuss the issue.

In a statement issued later, the Foreign Office said the 12 British nationals detained on espionage charges in Greece had yesterday been remanded in custody for a further week.

"This is a very difficult time for all involved," it read.

Blackburn MP Mr Straw had earlier telephoned Greek foreign minister George Papandreou.

He made clear that the 12 were only plane spotters; any charges brought should reflect their activities.

He said that we respected the Greek judicial system, but asked for the cases to be dealt with as speedily as possible.

Mr Papandreou said he would continue to follow the cases carefully, ensure the detainees had access to all necessary consular assistance and hoped the cases would be resolved quickly.

"We continue to raise this case at every opportunity. As well as the Foreign Secretary's conversation with Mr Papandreou today, the Prime Minister has discussed it with Greek Prime Minister Costas Simitis," the statement continued.