A BURNLEY man serving a jail sentence in Cyprus for drugs offences claims he has been beaten by guards and had a gun pushed into his face.

Paul Hartley has spoken about his ordeal in the 100-year-old central prison on the holiday island.

Through his solicitor he has made a formal complaint.

A spokesman for the Foreign Officer said: "I can confirm that there has been a formal complaint.

"The High Commissioner in Cyprus will pass that complaint on to the police authorities and we would expect them to investigate and let us know the result."

A member of Paul's family in Burnley said he had complained of the beating but said they did not want to make any further comment.

Paul, 25, of Harle Syke, and Lee Mortimer, 22, of Padiham, last month received three-year jail sentences for importing ecstasy tablets to the island.

They had faced sentences of at least seven years for supplying drugs but received the shorter sentence after pleading guilty to importing and possession of the drug.

The Cypriot authorities have declared a zero tolerance policy on drugs after main resort Ayia Napa became known as a junkies' paradise.