A damp fog hung round Lindholme Prison in South Yorkshire yesterday morning as a three-strong parole board team gathered to consider the case of lifer David William Blagdon.

A wine-red taxi brought the board members to the prison's main gate at 10.40am.

Inside, Blagdon, who was jailed for life after setting fire to a pair of curtains in South Hinksey Church more than 21 years ago, waited nervously to discover if this would finally be the day when he found out if he had an immediate chance of regaining his freedom.

His solicitor, Kevin O'Gorman was already inside the category C jail, preparing his client for what was to come, along with the barrister who was to present his case. High Court Judge, Mr Justice Tucker, was presiding.

Blagdon who will be 49 years old on May 26 retained a dim hope that he would be freed immediately but this was thought to be extremely unlikely, as a concrete prisoner release plan must be in place before a parole board can agree to a release.

Instead, it was more likely that yesterday's hearing would be inconclusive and a further date set for the near future.

The worst scenario was that Blagdon could face at least a further six months in prison.

At 1.30pm the parole board broke for lunch. Blagdon had been represented by barrister Alan Masters and his solicitor Kevin O'Gorman. Hugo Keith represented the Secretary of State. "Everyone is looking towards David's release," said Mr O'Gorman, "Lindholme has gone from being a category D to a C prison because part of it has been adapted for refugees and everyone accepts this as being a factor in hindering David's town visits and eventual release. But I am hopeful and a decision is expected within seven days."

And for a moment, outside the prison that David Blagdon still calls home, the sun shone through.

*****Arsonist David Blagdon is facing the longest seven days of his life.

He will hear in a week's time whether he is to be released from jail after serving 21 years for setting fire to a pair of curtains. Blagdon, 48, of Kingston Lisle, near Wantage, appeared before a parole board hearing at Lindholme Prison, South Yorkshire, yesterday.

His solicitor Kevin O'Gorman said the prisoner was "quietly hopeful'' that the hearing next week would set a date for his release.

The parole board, headed by High Court judge Mr Justice Tucker, has the power to release Blagdon.

A "discretionary lifer'', he was jailed for setting fire to a pair of curtains at St Laurence's Church in South Hinksey in a cry for help.

Blagdon's fiance, Melanie Lancashire, 35, of Alfreton, Derbyshire, said: "I spoke to David on the phone and he told me that he had tears in his eyes at yesterday's hearing. I suppose he's still a bit doubtful but he is just praying that he gets some good news next week. The couple plan to wed when Blagdon is released.