A REFORMED terrorist who led Peter Fell's fight for freedom today said his battle wasn't over but the door was almost open.

The Rev Billy McFetridge has been one of convicted double murderer Fell's staunchest supporters since he first met him seven years ago in Garth Prison.

Mr McFetridge was at the former Great Harwood man's side yesterday when he walked to freedom for the first time in 17 years after three Court of Appeal judges released him on bail pending his appeal against his murder convictions next year.

He said: "Peter is now going to take it easy for a while and adjust to freedom. There is no doubt today is a happy day.

"From the first moment I met Peter I knew that he was innocent. We still have to wait for his appeal but the door is very much open for him."

Prison evangelist Mr McFetridge is himself a convicted Northern Ireland terrorist who served 12 years in prison for manslaughter.

He was released from prison in 1987 and went to bible college. He met Peter while speaking at Garth Prison and immediately backed his campaign for freedom.

He published articles about Peter's plight in church magazines and evangelical newsletters to highlight his belief that Peter was innocent. But despite knowing of people's East Lancashire family connections, Mr McFetridge said it was doubtful Peter would return to his roots.

He said: "I do know of Peter's family, but I have never met them.

"He was supposed to meet his brother once while he was in prison, but it fell through.

"I very much doubt he will return to Lancashire.

"I have no idea what he plans to do, or where he plans to settle.

"He is taking each day at a time."