An SAS sniper jailed for illegally possessing a pistol and ammunition has thanked the "great British public" after winning an appeal and walking free.

Father-of-two Sergeant Danny Nightingale, 37, who lives near Crewe, Cheshire, said he had been "humbled" by public reaction to his plight.

He had been sentenced to 18 months' military detention earlier this month by a judge sitting in a military court after admitting illegally possessing a Glock 9mm pistol and more than 300 rounds of ammunition.

But three appeal judges concluded the sentence was too harsh after a hearing at the Court Martial Appeal Court in London.

They cut the term to 12 months, said it should be suspended, and ordered Sgt Nightingale's release.

Judges heard that more than 100,000 people signed a petition calling for Sgt Nightingale to be freed after his wife Sally, 38, and other family members launched a campaign. And Sgt Nightingale said the level of public support had been "humbling" as he hugged his wife.

"Thank you to the great British public," he said. "They have been absolutely wonderful in their support."

Mrs Nightingale said: "It can only be good for all the troops out there fighting for our country to see justice has been done."

Julian Brazier, MP for Canterbury and Whitstable, who has campaigned on behalf of Sgt Nightingale, said: "I am delighted Danny will be going home to his family for Christmas."