It follows an announcement by the Director of Public Prosecution, Alan Green, that their convictions can no longer be considered safe and satisfactory.

Hugh Callaghan, Patrick Hill, Gerard Hunter, Richard McIlkenny, William Power and John Walker were all jailed in 1975 for an IRA attack on two pubs in Birmingham in November 1974 in which 21 people died.

They have consistently maintained their innocence.

Speaking during a live radio broadcast by Irish broadcaster RTE, one of the six, Hugh Callaghan, spoke about his ordeal.

"It should have happened a long time ago. It has been known for years and years that we were innocent," he said.

Today's preliminary hearing was told both scientific and police evidence presented at the original trial could no longer be relied upon and that therefore the Crown's case against the men had collapsed.

Their third appeal will be heard at the Court of Appeal on Monday, 4 March.

New evidence collected in the past year will be presented to the court, which will make the final decision on whether or not to release the men.

Family joy

Friends, family and supporters were overjoyed by the news.

The Irish government issued a statement saying it shared their relief and joy.

Gareth Pierce, the solicitor for five of the men, said the case was "a national disgrace" and called for the evidence to be made public.

Patsy Power, William Power's wife, said: "It's over and done but the system has to be altered so nothing like this happens again."

Former Master of the Rolls Lord Denning, who rejected the men's appeal in 1980, said he was saddened by the case.

"As I look back I am very sorry, because I always thought that our police were splendid and am very sorry that in this case it appears the contrary," he said.

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