Simon Armstrong, of Hague Lambert, in Knutsford, received the hand-written note after he sent his best wishes to his former client.

"I am glad now that things are moving for me and hope to put an end to it all," said Foster.

"And again may I say that I never did that murder."

Mr Armstrong had written to Foster after being told the case against him had been referred to the Court of Appeal.

Foster, now 39, was jailed for life at Chester Crown Court after a jury found him guilty of murdering Knutsford pools collector Harold Cheetham.

He admitted to the killing during a police interview and under cross-examination at his trial, but later retracted his confession.

A psychologist said the man, with a mental age of 10, was twice as likely to agree with something that was said to him than the average person.

Since his conviction Foster has protested his innocence and Mr Armstrong has always doubted the verdict.

In his letter Foster thanked his former solicitor for his support.

"I have helped Mr Foster for the last 16 years and will continue to do so for as long as he needs my professional assistance," said Mr Armstrong.

On Thursday the Knutsford Guardian tried to contact Foster who is held at Wakefield Prison, but was told reporters first had to speak to the Home Office.

Foster's new lawyers in Liverpool also refused to discuss the case.