Inspirational news this morning: Alan Johnston has been freed.

I’ll be updating this post with my favourite picks from the press coverage of Johnston as and when I come across them.

[THE GUARDIAN] Conal Urquhart – Hamas’s latest coup

What next for Hamas? Alan’s release may lead to an alliance. I honestly can’t tell you if this is a good or bad thing.

[DAILY MAIL (no, really!)] John Humphrys – In this celebrity-obsessed age, Alan Johnston is a hero

“I can imagine (but only just) buying a newspaper without any comment in it – though it would be very, very dull. I cannot imagine buying a newspaper without any news in it,” says Humphrys, highlighting the need for more recognition for reporters like Alan rather than overpaid, underworked columnists like himself. Only kidding John, I love your work, but there are plenty of columnists who really don’t deserve that great big pay cheque. Great piece.

[THE TIMES] Editorial – Shining a Light

This is The Times’s leading article tomorrow, I think. It praises the continuous publcity surrounding Alan.

[BBC EDITORS] Jon Williams – Alan Johnston freed

Jon Williams is World news editor for the BBC, and in this entry he gives his reaction to Alan’s release. He also praises the worth of the BBC World Service, the radio station that Alan listened to — and gained support from — during his time in captivity.

If you’ve read anything decent surrounding Alan’s release, please comment.