 Danny Masterton was one of 15 service personnel captured |
The parents of the Scottish Marine among naval personnel captured in the Gulf have said they are "delighted and thrilled" at news he is being freed. Royal Marine Danny Masterton, 26, from Murkirk in Ayrshire, was one of the 15 service personnel captured by Iranian forces on 23 March.
The Iranians had claimed the UK marines and sailors had "invaded" its waters.
News of the release was welcomed by Mr Masterton's mother and father, Danny and Christine, and in his local pub.
Audrey Bone, landlady of the Coach House Inn, said: "We're just absolutely delighted at the news.
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"We can't wait to welcome Danny back home.
"We were shocked to find him at the centre of this big international incident.
"He's a big outgoing lad but he's quiet. Everybody's just over the moon."
Friend Nicole Durkin, 20, who works for Scottish Coal, said it was "fantastic news".
"We were absolutely devastated when we heard he'd been taken hostage, but we had to be positive for his mother," she said.
"I've known him all my life as his family live across the road from me. He's absolutely brilliant.
 Mahmoud Ahmadinejad met the Royal Navy crew |
"Danny's quiet until he has a couple of drinks then he's the life and soul of the party.
"We've all been hoping and praying for his safe return."
Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad announced the decision to release the crew at a news conference marking Persian New Year.
He repeated Iran's view that the British sailors and marines "invaded" Iranian waters, but said they were being released as a "gift" to Britain.
He said they would be taken to Tehran airport and flown home within hours.
Downing Street welcomed news of the release, while Iranian state media said the British crew members "shouted for joy" on hearing the news.
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