FAYE Turney, a black Iranian headscarf covering her blonde hair, looked under strain, casting down her eyes as she puffed nervously on a cigarette.

The 26-year-old mother-of-one was paraded on prime time Iranian television last night along with her 14 captured comrades in clear contravention of the Geneva Convention, which bans countries from putting captured military personnel on display.

Tehran is well aware of the particular concern there is in Britain about the safety of the leading seaman, one of only 12 women in the Royal Navy trained to drive inflatable patrol boats. She has been the main focus of reports in Britain and of Iran's recent statements about the seized group.

In the footage, a nervous-looking Ms Turney spoke softly and the text of a letter was shown on screen. Yet, the Foreign Office was keen to point out it was not known whether her spoken words were made under duress or the written words were actually from her own hand. The letter, in particular, appeared aimed at tugging at the heart-strings given Ms Turney has a three-year-old daughter.

Speaking hesitantly, Ms Turney was heard saying how the British forces had "obviously" trespassed into Iranian waters.

With a backdrop of a floral-patterned curtain, she said: "My name is Leading Seaman Faye Turney. I come from England. I serve on Foxtrot Nine Nine. I have been in the Navy nine years. I live in England.

"I was arrested on Friday March 23. Obviously, we trespassed into their waters. They were very friendly and very hospitable, very thoughtful, good people. They explained to us why we had been arrested. There was no aggression, no hurt, no harm. They were very, very compassionate."

The pictures also showed Ms Turney and her fellow sailors eating with paper plates and plastic cutlery. There were also scenes of them in a boat, one with an Iranian flag.

In the letter, Ms Turney apparently wrote: "I am writing to you from Iran where I am being held. I will try to explain to you the best what has happened. We were out in the boats when we were arrested by Iranian forces as we had apparently gone into Iranian waters. I wish we hadn't because then I would be home with you all right now.

"I'm so sorry we did because I know we wouldn't be here now if we hadn't. I want you all to know that I am well and safe. I am being well looked after, I am fed three meals a day and I'm in constant supply of fluids. The people are friendly and hospitable, very compassionate and warm.

"I have written a letter to the Iranian people to apologise for us entering into their waters.

"Please don't worry about me. I'm staying strong. Hopefully, it won't be long till I'm home to get ready for Molly's birthday party and with a present from the Iranian people. Look after everyone for me, especially Adam and Molly, I love you all more than you will ever know."

Last night, Margaret Beckett, Foreign Secretary, issued a statement, saying: "I am very concerned about these pictures and any indication of pressure on or coercion of our personnel who were carrying out a routine operation in accordance with international law and under a United Nations resolution in support of the Iraqi government."

She added: "I am particularly disappointed that a private letter has been used in a way which can only add to the distress of the families."