A 16-year-old boy who was last seen nine days ago has been found safe, police have confirmed.

James Gibbons was last spotted heading towards woodlands near his home in Cuxton, Rochester, at around 1pm last Saturday.

Since then, a monumental effort from volunteers and members of the public began in an attempt to find him.

Tonight, Kent Police confirmed the youngster had now been safely located.

A spokesman said: “Our officers and the boy's family would like to thank members of the public and partner agencies who assisted with the searches, as well as all those who shared the appeal.”

The Medway village was filled with police officers and specialists tirelessly working to find the teen for more than a week.

Yesterday, Kent Search and Rescue released statistics on the “herculean” effort involved in the search.

Sixty-nine teams across the area searched 1,500 acres during numerous searches.

They volunteered more than 1100 hours of their time and trekked through a combined 675km.

Volunteers were also supported by search dogs and South East 4x4 response units.

Thousands of people joined the ‘Help Find James Gibbons’ Facebook group to offer their support, help, or ideas in the investigation.

Large banners have also been erected near busy roads, and posters have been plastered around the surrounding villages.

At the weekend, the family of the “dearly loved” teenage boy issued a heartfelt plea for him to come home, telling him: “You’re not in any trouble” and “We love you dearly”.

Previously speaking to KentOnline, shopkeeper Mel, who works at Best One in Cuxton, said everyone has been worried sick and wants him to be found as soon as possible.

Further up the road, at the Co-Op shop opposite the social club where police and search crews were set up, the store had set up a donation bank for people to buy things for the Gibbons family.