A FORMER Hayle school pupil is one of the 15 Royal Navy personnel from HMS Cornwall being held by Iranians and paraded on TV by their captors.

Nathan Thomas who attended Penpol School and Hayle Community School has been seen on Iranian state TV apparently apologising for straying into the country's waters. The Government vehemently denies this.

People living in the tight knit coastal town of Hayle say they are extremely shocked to find out that one of their own sons is one of the men being held although there could be more as they come from the county's ship.

Paul Hodson headteacher of Penpol Primary School in Hayle said: "We have several ex-pupils who have gone on to be involved in adventurous and exciting occupations and as with any ex-pupil we are concerned for his well being. Our thoughts are with his family and we hope the situation will be resolved as soon as possible.

Mrs Chris Jackman head teacher of Hayle Community School said: "Nathan was a pupil at Hayle Community School between 1997 and 2002 and a lot of staff remember him and recall him as a well behaved pleasant young man who excelled at sport. He was popular with his peers and was a Prefect in his final years. Our thoughts and wishes are with him and his family at this extremely difficult time.