THE parents of a missing Kent teenager have made a desperate plea for their son to get in touch with them. It is now a month since 15-year-old Ben Watkins, who has learning difficulties, disappeared.

Ben was last seen in Mote Park, Maidstone, not far from his home Upper Road. His parents, David and Diane, are desperate for news. There have been no confirmed sightings of him and police are growing increasingly concerned for his safety.

Mr Watkins said: "We just want him home so much. We want him to know that he is not in any trouble and he should ring home as soon as he can. You never think something like this will happen to you and when it does, it is impossible to describe how hard it hits you."

Mr Watkins added: "We get so many calls from people anxious for news of Ben and 90 per cent of them end up in tears." Mr Watkins described Ben as a loving son who enjoys a joke. He likes golf and fishing.

He said he was especially close to his baby brother, Joe. "Ben adores him," said Mr Watkins. "He loves looking after him, feeding him and changing him. I am sure Joe is missing Ben even though he is only six months old."

He said Ben was also very fond of his sisters, Kelly, 18, and seven-year-old Holly - both distraught by his disappearance. Ben studies at Senacre Technology College, Sutton Road, Maidstone, half a day a week.

He does work experience four days a week at Hanson, the aggregates firm, based at the company's base on the 20/20 Industrial Estate at Allington. Hanson truck drivers have put up posters on their vehicles appealing for information about Ben.

Insp Ian Sandwell, from Maidstone police, said it was possible Ben has received shelter in the Maidstone area.

The youngster is described as white, 5ft tall, slightly tanned, with brown eyes and short (cropped) brown hair. He was last seen on Saturday, October 20 in Mote Park where he was wearing a cream cap, a cream Nike coat/pullover with large pockets on the chest, dark blue jeans and black trainers.

Anyone who might have seen him should call police on 01622 608082.