Gilad Shalit's grandfather has thanked the Israeli Prime Minister for helping to secure his grandson's return before it was too late.

Tzvi Shalit, who along with other members of the family lobbied the Israeli government for Sergeant Shalit's return for more than five years, met Benjamin Netanyahu earlier today.

Mr Shalit told the Prime Minister: "You saved my grandson for me.

"In the current situation in the region, it would have been impossible to return him."

He said that his grandson was eating and had put on weight. "He really is back to normal," he added.