by Rob Daly

A £100,000 deal to free the Tunbridge Wells couple being held by Somali pirates has been negotiated, it is claimed.

However, the exchange may not go through because of the Foreign Office's policy of not allowing payments to hostage-takers.

Paul and Rachel Chandler were captured 47 days ago after their yacht was hijacked off the Seychelles coast.

Ransom demands for the couple were originally £4.3million - but the Merchant Maritime Warfare Centre (MMWC) says it has now negotiated the pirates down to a fraction of that.

The £100,000 would come from media deals for the Chandlers, such as an exclusive interview and book rights.

Audio: Nick Davis talks to reporter Rob Daly about the situation

MMWC chairman Nick Davis said: "The pirates would rather let them go but they've incurred expenses in capturing and hijacking them and they want their money reimbursed.

"I've spoken with the Foreign Office twice to say this deal, privately, is on the table to take the Chandlers home."

He claims the Foreign Office has so far not offered any advice to the family.

But a Foreign Office spokesman said: "We talk to anyone who may be able to help secure release - but we do not make substantive concessions to hostage-takers.

"Our efforts are ongoing to secure the safe release of the couple. We are in close touch with the family. We call for the release of Paul and Rachel."

The spokesman denied any suggestion that any payments to the pirates had been "blocked".