My colleagues in London have put out a new statement on Frank Gardner.

It reads:

"Frank's condition has improved markedly over the last two weeks.

"A troublesome chest infection has been cleared up, he is eating well and is feeling much stronger. He's begun daily physiotherapy to try to restore full movement to his legs.

"However, he faces at least two more operations in the coming weeks to continue the process of repairing the damage caused by the bullets, and will remain in hospital for some months yet.

"He's still receiving many cards, books, tapes, DVDs and get-well messages, and is extremely grateful to everyone who's sent them."