A COMPANY has put up a reward to help find missing Maidstone teenager Ben Watkins. The 15-year-old went missing more than a month ago and his parents are desperate for news of his whereabouts. The firm, which wishes to remain anonymous, has offered £500.

Ben's father, David, said: "The reward will be given to anyone who can give us information that leads to the safe return of our son. Someone out there knows where he is."

Mr Watkins added: "We have had a few sightings of Ben in the Maidstone area but are not entirely sure it was him. Ben has a lot of friends and we hope one of them might know where he is."

Both Ben's father and his mother, Diane, have been out searching for the youngster every day. They have put up posters and registered Ben on the national missing persons register. Mr Watkins added: "We just want him to ring home or call someone he knows. The longer Ben stays missing the harder it gets."

Ben was last seen in Mote Park, Maidstone, not far from his home in Upper Road, on October 20. People in Shepway, Senacre and Mote Park have been asked to keep a look out for Ben after suspected sightings of him in the area.

Anyone who might have seen him or knows his whereabouts is asked to contact Maidstone police on 01622 608082.