Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe, was allowed to “hold and play” with her baby daughter Gabriella for the first time since she was arrested by Iranian authorities.

Nazanin’s husband, Richard told how his wife was met by her parents and 22-month old daughter in a hotel close to where she is being held yesterday.

Writing on his Change.org petition, he said: “I can confirm that after 38 days, Nazanin was finally allowed a family visit in Kerman. Nazanin was able to meet with Gabriella, and her mother and father.

It’s a family affair: The Ratcliffes during happier times at home in London

“The family and Nazanin were transported separately to meet in a nice hotel in Kerman, where they had lunch together, and she was able to hold and play with Gabriella for a visit of more than two hours. Gabriella was given a doll by the authorities.

“Notwithstanding everything else, I am grateful to the Iranian authorities that they allowed Nazanin to see Gabriella in a nice place.”

Nazanin was met by her parents and 22-month old daughter Gabriella in a hotel close to where she is being held

The 37-year-old is being held in solitary confinement in an unknown location in Kerman Province, 1,000km south of the capital Tehran.

To read more about this campaign, and for photos, embeddable video and more quotes, go to change.org/freenazanin or email press.uk@change.org.