Family and friends of a television cameraman abducted more than a week ago in the Gaza Strip have appealed for his safe return.

Olaf Wiig, 36, who lives on a remote farm estate in Twyford Lane, Horsted Keynes, near Haywards Heath, with his wife Anita McNaught, was kidnapped with Fox News colleague Steve Centanni on August 14.

Ms McNaught has travelled to the Gaza Strip to help the search for her husband and while there made a plea for his return.

She and Mr Wiig, a New Zealand national, are renovating their cottage and barn, where they have lived for six years.

On Wednesday the kidnappers released a video of Mr Wiig and Mr Centanni demanding the release of Muslims imprisoned by the US by Saturday night in exchange for the two hostages.

The US state department is refusing to co-operate.

In the video footage, the men, sitting cross-legged on the floor, appear to be in good health.

No armed men were seen and no banner or logo was displayed.

Mr Wiig said: "If you could apply any pressure on the local government here in Gaza and the West Bank that would be much appreciated by Steve and myself."

Mr Centanni said the two men had access to clean water, showers, bathrooms, food and clothing.

Ms McNaught's aunt, who lives next door to the farmhouse, where Mr Wiig keeps a collection of classic cars, said he was no stranger to dangerous situations.

She told the BBC: "In Beirut, the hotel they were in suddenly got a hole right through it, but that's his job."

In a televised statement, Ms McNaught said: "If anybody knows any information can you please tell us because I want him home so much.

"He and his colleague Steve don't deserve this. They are good men and they should be allowed to come home.

"Please let him come home.

"He and Steve were here because they wanted to be here, because as journalists they wanted to tell the Palestinian story. He cares about the Palestinian people."

The crew's Palestinian driver told security officials their car was stopped in Gaza City on Monday evening. He said masked gunmen ordered the men into another vehicle and they were driven away.

All the major Palestinian militant groups have condemned the kidnapping and have denied involvement. Palestinian leaders have also called for the men's release.