A FORMER Kidderminster headteacher held hostage by militants in Libya has been released.

David Bolam, who worked at the International School in Benghazi, was abducted earlier this year, according to reports.

The 63-year-old, who lives in Craven Arms, Salop, was previously headteacher of Hartlebury School before moving abroad.

Mr Bolam was abducted and held hostage for around five months before his release. He was finally reunited with his family last week.

A Foreign Office spokeswoman said: "We are glad that David Bolam is safe and well after his ordeal, and that he has been reunited with his family. We have been supporting his family since he was taken."

She added: "We do not comment on the detail of hostage cases. The family have asked for privacy."

His kidnapping had not been reported at the request of the Foreign Office and his family while negotiations were taking place.

But he had appeared in a video on August 28, in which he pleaded for help from the Prime Minister.

In the video, he said: “I am a British teacher. My health is good at the moment. I have been here a very long time. I ask the British government and prime minister David Cameron - please allow me to go back to my family.

“I ask my family and friends, and anyone else who hears this, please can you do something to let the government understand I need to go home soon. Please, please do something to help me.”