The Rev Elton Moore, who is 34, was born in Grimsby and brought up in Laceby and Caistor. He has lived in Israel for 12 years, working in the Jaffa Gate Ministry in Jerusalem, and is married to an Israeli citizen, Chevna, and together they have a two year old son Gabrial.

The Rev Moore's mother Hazel lives at Rothwell and he returned to this country to see her after she suffered a series of small strokes at the end of last year.

"While he was here he received an email from his wife saying she wanted a divorce so he decided to return home," she said.

However, immediately on his arrival, he was detained by Israeli police at the airport and has been in custody ever since, even though no charges have been brought and he has not been put before a court.

Mrs Moore said Israeli law allowed for him to be kept in custody for 40 days without charge, but she was worried he might then be deported, which would effectively mean he would not be able to see his son again.

"I also need to pay for a lawyer for him," she said. "I have found one who will charge £4000 but neither I nor my son have that kind of money and he won't do anything unless the money is available first."

Mrs Moore said she had spoken to her son twice and he had told her he was being well treated but was not allowed to change his clothes!

"He's very determined to keep contact with his son," she said, "but if he is deported he will not get back into the country and then he will not be able to see him."

A spokesperson for the Foreign Office said they were aware of the Rev Moore's detention.

"We are in touch with the next of kin and he is being offered consular assistance," she said.

* Mrs Moore, who is not well, would like someone to run the campaign for her son's release, as well as raising money for his legal case. If you can help her in any way, telephone 01472 851184.