STAFF members at the Body Shop in the Market Place in Bolton joined in a national "tie a yellow ribbon" campaign to mark the fifth anniversary of the kidnapping of journalist John McCarthy in Beirut.
John McCarthy was freed in 1991 — our photograph was taken by a Bolton Evening News photographer in April 1991.
He was Britain's longest-held hostage in Lebanon and was set free after more than five years in captivity.
Mr McCarthy — who was abducted in April 1986 — was one of about 11 Westerners believed to be held by militant groups.
Speaking at a news conference in Damascus, Syria where he was flown after his release, Mr McCarthy thanked those who had campaigned on his behalf.
He urged them to carry on working for the release of those still in captivity.
"Keep up the efforts to end the ordeal of my fellow hostages and all those who are held in similar conditions in the region," he said.
Staff at the Body Shop were asking shoppers to sign a petition to press for his release.
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