A MERSEYSIDE film-maker, who is being held without charge in the Democratic Republic of Congo, made contact with his worried family yesterday.

Graham Hughes, 30, arrested in the capital Brazzaville last week, described to his parents the appalling conditions in his jail cell.

Mr Hughes, from Liverpool, is travelling the world by public transport in a bid to raise £1m for charity.

It is the second time he has found himself in jail during the mission to visit 192 countries.

Mr Hughes was allowed a consular visit earlier yesterday and during the meeting was able to make a phone call to his parents.

He told them his spectacles had been taken from him and he had not eaten since Friday. He also said he was not being allowed to take his anti-malaria medication.

Mr Hughes’s brother, Alex, said: “He didn’t sound good at all and we are absolutely terrified for him.”

Police arrested the adventurer at a checkpoint on Thursday when officers accused him of taking pictures of political figures, claims he denies.

Mr Hughes is documenting his exploits for Lonely Planet Television and National Geographic.